Gags Tandon Fuels VAR Conspiracy Theory After Liverpool’s Win Over Everton | OneFootball

Liverpool Edge Past Everton in Derby Grit: Post-Match Reaction from The Gags Tandon Show

In a fierce and emotionally charged Merseyside derby, Liverpool secured a vital win against Everton, inching closer to Premier League glory. On The Gags Tandon Show from Anfield Index, Gags Tandon and Jack McIndoe offered an unfiltered post-match reaction that captured the tension, frustration, and jubilation of a night where three points meant far more than just numbers on the table.

Curtis Jones and Luis Díaz Shine Amidst Poor First Half

Liverpool may have come out on top, but Gags Tandon was quick to admit, “I thought the first half performance was pretty poor.” Yet amidst the chaos, two standout performances offered hope.

On Curtis Jones, who slotted in at right-back, Gags was effusive: “Right-back Cafu… he just was solid all game. I don’t think he put a foot wrong.” Jack echoed the sentiment, adding, “He’s the Scouser in the team right now… he’s dependable and you could see that Slot trusted him.”

Luis Díaz, often frustrating in recent months, found his spark again. Gags described him as, “relentless… he kept on going at them, didn’t give up,” while Jack noted that Díaz was “probably the best of a shite bunch first half and then a standout second half.” His ability to “rip [the defender] down there” was a key threat that Liverpool capitalised on.

Refereeing and VAR: Title Race Conspiracy?

It wouldn’t be a derby without controversy. The talking point? A wild challenge that went unpunished. Jack didn’t mince words: “It’s full-on assault on a football pitch… one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen.”

Gags went even further, suggesting, “At this point now, I actually believe some of these refs are given a directive to try and make this a title race.” In a league flush with TV money, he implied the drama of a close finish suits the broadcasters: “Sky don’t make any money… out of this being done a month early.”

Frustration boiled over as both hosts criticised the Premier League’s officiating. Gags fumed, “This is a billion-pound business… and you can’t afford proper technology in your stadiums? You can’t afford to train your bloody referees?”

Diogo Jota Delivers the Goods (Eventually)

In a game lacking cutting edge, Diogo Jota emerged as Liverpool’s match-winner. His performance, while far from flawless, was decisive. “Cometh the hour, cometh the man,” said Gags, acknowledging Jota’s goal as the difference.

Jack added perspective: “He’s there to score the goals… I’d like to see a bit more from Jota this season, but the goal deserves a league title medal on its own.”

As for Darwin Núñez, the consensus was clear—he’s a talent with too little control. “He came on and was brainless once again at times,” Gags said, before sarcastically noting, “Just because Maka’s passing to you doesn’t mean you have to pass it straight back.”

Photo: IMAGO

Concerns About Salah and Squad Depth Persist

Despite sitting 12 points clear in the Premier League, Gags and Jack remain clear-eyed about Liverpool’s shortcomings. On Mohamed Salah, Jack observed, “When he’s not on it, we struggle to create.” Gags dissected the issue further, noting the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s service: “From deep we don’t have the incisive passing.”

Looking forward, both were aligned on the need to strengthen. “If Trent is going, how do we replace that incisive passing in the team?” Gags asked. The squad’s lack of depth and mounting fatigue were also key themes. Jack remarked, “We’ve looked a bit fatigued… maybe with a bit more spark,” adding that “Liverpool can certainly step up.”

Slot’s Emotions, Eight To Go, and Final Push

The victory wasn’t just about three points—it was redemption for a previous derby defeat. Gags highlighted Arne Slot’s emotional reaction: “When we won, you could see the relief on that man’s face… the other Everton game was playing on his mind.”

With just eight games to go, both hosts urged fans to embrace the moment. “Don’t moan too much… take it in,” Gags pleaded. “Be unbearable. Enjoy it. Drink it in.”

Jack closed with a reminder that transcends football: “Players come and go, but what’s always there is the fans… and Liverpool Football Club.”