Wayne Rooney blames one Everton player twice as he watches MOTD footage vs Liverpool

Wayne Rooney with Everton manager David Moyes shocked insetEvan Lloyd

Wayne Rooney was critical in the aftermath of Everton’s narrow loss to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

Everton lost 2-1 to Liverpool, bringing an end to an unbeaten streak that had lasted for four games across all competitions.

David Moyes was criticised for his tactics at Anfield, with the Toffees finding themselves with a mountain to climb when Hugo Ekitike made it 2-0 in just 29 minutes.

But the Scot had reasons to be frustrated himself, with referee Darren England failing to spot a clear foul on Jack Grealish in the build-up to Ryan Gravenberch’s opener.

But he was not the only Toffee to suffer in the opening minutes, with James Tarkowski and Michael Keane also faltering in the face of a quick-moving Liverpool attack.

Jarrad Branthwaite had been expected to return for the trip to Anfield, but the defender just missed out, with Moyes choosing to stick with the two who have been ever-present at the back this season.

Liverpool found it easy to find space in behind in the early stages of the game, with Rooney critical of Tarkowski in particular in his post-game analysis for BBC Match of the Day on Saturday.

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On the first goal, Rooney said: “Michael Keane gets sucked across, I think too far, and then the minute that happens, Tarkowski should come across to cover him, but he doesn’t.

“He goes too late and Gravenberch carries on his run, and it’s a wonderful ball and an unbelievable finish from him.”

And on Tarkowski’s covering for the second goal, the former Everton striker said: “Tarkowski doesn’t cover quick enough but just here, if you look at Tarkowski, I think if he goes with his left leg, he blocks the shot.

“He doesn’t, he shortens his stride and then goes with his right leg there, and then that allows Ekitike to get his shot off, and it’s a fantastic finish.”

Everton defender James Tarkowkski’s stats vs Liverpool
Credit: Sofascore
David Moyes faces key defensive question

Tarkowski has been largely ever-present for Everton since signing on a free transfer over three years ago, and will be difficult to drop for Moyes.

But with Branthwaite’s return imminent, and the form of Keane this season, the Scot may be forced to make a decision.

Michael Keane Premier League 2025/26 James Tarkowski
5 Appearances 5
0 Penalties conceded 1
15 Recoveries 13
2 Dribbled past 4
3 Tackles 7
83.1% Pass accuracy 76.4%
The 32-year-old has been caught napping on a few occasions this season, and Saturday was no different.

That is not to say Keane is free of criticism – he is not – but the Englishman has been hugely impressive in the early part of the season for Everton, and arguably presents a stronger option for Moyes presently.