Liverpool missed the chance to go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 2-2 draw on Wednesday (12.02.25) that saw Everton defender James Tarkowski hit a dramatic injury-time equaliser and Van Dijk was unimpressed with Oliver's handling of post-match fracas that was sparked by Toffees midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure provoking Reds fans.

The Liverpool captain said: "It was a very big provocation from one certain player. We all saw it and reacted as a team as we were able to do. You know what happens nowadays, it becomes one big tussle. Then it is not me who has to deal with it, it is the referee and today I am not sure he had it fully under control."

Van Dijk admits that Liverpool were bitterly disappointed not to see out the victory in the final derby to be played at Everton's Goodison Park stadium.

The Dutch defender said: "To concede an equaliser that late is always disappointing.

"We saw the celebrations they had in the end so we know how much it meant for them but the fact is it was disappointing for us. We kept fighting but in the end it wasn’t enough to get it over the line."

Meanwhile, Everton boss David Moyes felt that Tarkowski's thunderbolt was a fitting ending to the rivalry at Goodison Park.

He said: "It is hugely important that Evertonians get to finish at their stadium in the best way they can. The support in here was unbelievable tonight, incredible, and it is fitting they got an end like they did.

"We didn’t win, which was the disappointing thing. It would have been hard to come here losing 2-1 and talking about it. Everyone stayed until the end, which was a magical moment. The bit of to-ing and fro-ing at the end probably added to the entertainment of the night."