Liverpool Duo Stewart Downing & Andy Carroll In England Squad

On Sunday, Manager Fabio Capello named his squad for England’s final Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro and it includes two Liverpool players. Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll will lead the Anfield contingent ahead of Friday’s game, the FA reports.

The 22 year-old striker Carroll has appeared three times for England and scored one goal. He is contention to start for his country alongside Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.

Downing is looking to add to his 24 caps and could start on the left side of Capello’s midfield.

He is in good form for Liverpool since joining the club in the summer from Aston Villa. He has appeared in eight games and provides a genuine threat to opposing fullbacks.

Midfielder Steve Gerrard was sensibly omitted by Capello. The Liverpool captain only recently returned to action after a six-month layoff to cure a persistent groin problem. He has played a part of only three games and has yet to appear in the starting 11 for the club.

Liverpool's other England international, Glen Johnson, is out due to a hamstring strain.

Carroll Thanks Reds For Support

Merseyside derby hero Andy Carroll dedicated his Goodison Park strike to everyone who has stood by him during his short time at Liverpool.

The £35million striker scored the crucial opening goal against city rivals Everton on Saturday, his first in the Premier League since April.

The former Newcastle forward has only scored four times in total in all competitions since his big money move in January

However, he hopes his derby strike can kick-start his season and wanted to thank those who have backed him over the past few months.

"The goal is for everyone really, Kenny, the others lads and the fans. Everyone who has stood by me," the 22-year-old told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"It is a great feeling but it doesn't really matter who scores the goals as long we get the three points and I thought it was great we did it here.

"The dressing room was just buzzing afterwards. Everyone was over the moon. This is by far the highlight of my time here, easily.

"Scoring against Everton and beating them at their place is special but you have got to keep it going.

"We've got Man United next game and I've got to make sure that I keep doing well week in and week out now."

Stewart Downing Backs Andy Carroll To Get More Goals

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has hailed team-mate Andy Carroll and backed the striker to go from strength to strength following his first Premier League goal of the season.

Downing moved to Anfield in the summer in a £20 million move from Aston Villa and has made a good impression, and believes that Carroll will get a lot of confidence from his opening goal in the Merseyside derby.

"Andy's off the mark now and we're all delighted for him," Downing told the club's official website.

"Even without scoring, he's been doing really well for us.

"But getting a goal is a real bonus and for it to happen in the derby is extra special for him.

"He deserved it for his all-round play and it was a great finish.

"Andy is a quality striker and I'm sure he'll build on this. It was such an important goal as this was a big win for us.

"Obviously coming here [to Goodison] and winning means a lot to the fans but the main thing for us was getting the three points."

Everton Pledge Firm Action

Everton have vowed to take 'firm and far-reaching action' against anyone who is found to have thrown objects at Liverpool players during Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Objects - including what appeared to be at least one coin and a number of plastic bottles - were seen being hurled at the likes of Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy at Goodison Park over the weekend.

The Football Association may take action but must first receive referee Martin Atkinson's version of events in his official match report.

Everton are working closely with Merseyside Police to examine video footage from the match, in which the Toffees had Jack Rodwell controversially sent off and conceded second-half goals to Andy Carroll and Suarez to lose 2-0.

"We are fully aware of the incidents which occurred during Saturday's derby game," club director of communications Ian Ross told Everton's official website.

"We are currently working with Merseyside Police on collating and analyzing all available CCTV footage of the incidents.

"If we can identify any supporter who threw anything - and we mean anything - on to the pitch on Saturday we will take immediate firm and far-reaching action.

"This behaviour is totally unacceptable and will be rightly condemned by all right-thinking Evertonians - and that is 99.9% of our fan base."

Liverpool Join Manchester United In Chase For Dortmund Star

Liverpool is ready to battle Manchester United, AC Milan and Juventus in their attempts to sign Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa.

Kagawa, 22, is rated one of the best young midfielders in the Bundesliga and has alerted several big clubs across Europe.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to add some fresh faces to his squad in January and reports in Germany suggest he has sent scouts to watch the Japanese international in action.

Kagawa has a contract with Borussia Dortmund until June 2013 and Liverpool will have to spend at least £18m if they want to sign the talented star.

But they face stiff competition as both AC Milan and Juventus are also hoping to clinch his signature in January.

Manchester United has also been keen on Kagawa in the past but it appears they have cooled their interest, which could let Liverpool in.

England Defender Reveals Liverpool Advances

Leighton Baines has revealed that Liverpool hatched a plan to snatch him away from Everton during the summer transfer window.

The England full back, linked with Manchester City among others, has quickly turned into one of the Toffees' star turns with his dazzling crosses and runs from the left-back position.

But Baines says that despite the interest from Liverpool, there was only one place he wanted to play his football.

"I was made aware of it, but as far as I am concerned, it was never an option," he said.

"When you're from Liverpool, it's either Liverpool or Everton, one and not the other.

"For me, it wouldn't have got beyond the story stage. You are one and you stick with that - you don't do both.

"If you're brought up in the area and know what it means to everyone, you understand it more. Once you know the people and you're a part of it, it's not something you do.

"My family is still split," said the defender. "There has been no crossover to Everton from the Reds in my family since I joined the club. They still want Liverpool to win.

The Everton defender also says that interest from Bayern Munich was also strong, and Baines admits playing at the highest level is something that appeals.

"It wouldn't be ideal leaving this league, but I do have ambitions to get to the Champions League level and hopefully the tide will turn at some point and enable us to do that here," he said.

"It would mean a lot to do it here. It has been a while since Everton were at that level and it looks a tougher task, given the money other teams are spending.

"I do have those ambitions to play at that level. Sir Alex Ferguson said this week that the Champions League is bigger than anything and it is. It is the pinnacle and everyone would like to get there. I will just get my head down and keep doing what I am doing."

Adam Advice Helps Reds Starlet

Jonjo Shelvey has thanks Liverpool teammate Charlie Adam for his advice after impressing on loan debut for Blackpool.

The England youth international described his first appearance for the Tangerines as 'perfect' after scoring from distance with a free kick in a 5-0 romp against Bristol City.

Ian Holloway has reportedly been tracking the teenager for some time, and Shelvey admits the short-term move came about after conversations with Scottish international Adam, who was Blackpool captain for their Npower Championship promotion and subsequent relegation last term.

"I had been to see Kenny Dalglish and asked if I could go on loan to get some games. I had read things in the paper and seen that Blackpool was interested, as well as a few other clubs," said the playmaker.

"But I wanted to come here because it is local to Liverpool and has great fans. I spoke to Charlie Adam about it and he told me to come to the club.

"Charlie told me how passionate the supporters are and I witnessed that on Saturday - it was pretty thrilling to play in front of them. I am already looking forward to the next home match against Doncaster because I can't wait to play in front of them again."

Holloway is understandably delighted to have the former Charlton Athletic starlet at his disposal, and is predicting big things for the player in the future, not just at Bloomfield Road.

"Jonjo has been a star in the making for a long time, and sometimes when you go to a club of the size of Liverpool, where you are playing for a huge amount of money, it takes you a while to settle," said the manager.

"He is frustrated he isn't playing, so let's give him some games. I was confident enough to put him straight in because I have been waiting for him."

Reds Launch New Partnership

Liverpool FC's history is littered with winning combinations - and now they are hoping to help conquer the academic world with another unique partnership.

The Reds have struck up an affiliation with Laureate Online Education - the online partner of the University of Liverpool - to help promote the institute's web-based degrees.

The collaboration will see Laureate use LFC channels in order to offer fans an accessible and affordable opportunity to study and gain a degree level qualification.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC's Managing Director, said: "This partnership brings together two of the city of Liverpool's great institutions, with a combined history spanning over 200 years.

"We are honoured to have such a world class educational institution on Liverpool FC's doorstep, and are honoured to be working in partnership with Laureate."

Over 6,500 students worldwide are currently studying one of the University of Liverpool's 100 per cent online postgraduate degrees in: Management, Information Technology, Law, Health, Psychology and Education.

Carroll Joy At Derby Strike

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll believes it cannot get 'any better' than opening his account for the season against Mersey rivals Everton.

The former Newcastle frontman scored the opening goal of the fiery Goodison Park contest on Saturday, with Luis Suarez later sealing a 2-0 win for Kenny Dalglish's men.

It was Carroll's first goal of the season and his third in total for the club since his £30million move from Newcastle last January.

The 22-year-old could not hide his delight at not only breaking his scoring duck for the season, but for netting in such an important game.

"It was a good feeling to get the goal," Carroll told the club's official website.

"It always is great to score, and to get my first league goal of the season against Everton couldn't be any better."

Downing Hails Reds Character

Stewart Downing says Liverpool have proved they have the character to succeed after responding to successive defeats with back-to-back wins.

The 2-0 win in a controversial Merseyside derby followed on from three points at home to Wolves last week and erased the memories of reverses at Stoke and, in particular, Tottenham.

Beating Wolves was significant in light of the fixtures to follow as, having now made the short trip to Goodison Park, Liverpool host Manchester United after the international break.

They can at least go into that game with renewed confidence after seeing off their determined nearest-neighbours, albeit with a little help from referee Martin Atkinson who inexplicably sent off young Toffees midfielder Jack Rodwell midway through the first half for a tackle on Luis Suarez which was barely a foul.

"The two victories we've had back-to-back after the defeats have shown the character of the team and depth of the squad we've got here," said Downing.

"We all want to do well and getting wins like this helps.

"We played some good stuff at times but the sending-off killed them a bit and made it very hard for them.

"I wasn't near it at the time. It happened that quick I didn't have a great view of it but at the time I thought it would be a yellow card.

"It's easy for me to say that but it was a tough decision for the referee.

"But we kept pressing and it paid off in the end. Credit to the lads because we managed to exploit it in the end."

For a long time Everton made light of their numerical disadvantage thanks to their impressive work-rate and organization but had almost undid it all when Phil Jagielka brought down Suarez just before half-time.

Dirk Kuyt, scorer of five Merseyside derby goals, saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Tim Howard and it was not until the introduction of Craig Bellamy and, to a lesser extent, Steven Gerrard, with a quarter of the match remaining that things turned in the visitors' favour.

Bellamy sent Jose Enrique away down the left and his cross, which Kuyt cleverly ducked under, allowed Andy Carroll to fire home his first Barclays Premier League goal of the season.

Nine minutes from time Suarez, who appeared to be targeted by bottles and coins thrown by Everton fans, clinched victory after Sylvain Distin's clearance rebounded off the Uruguay international's chest and dropped at his feet six yards out.

"It was a great game to be involved in. It was a great atmosphere and both sets of fans got right behind their teams," said Downing, one of five Merseyside debutants in the Liverpool side.

"It was quite feisty for half an hour, the tackles were flying in but that's part of the game."

Christian Eriksen Desire To Flush Out Liverpool Interest

Liverpool look likely to have to accelerate their interest in Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen if they wish to ensure the Danish youngster ends up at Anfield.

The Reds are known to be tracking the 19-year-old and have repeatedly been linked with a bid for his services, although Ajax has remained adamant that Eriksen will not leave the Amsterdam ArenA.

Now though the Dutch side’s resolve is set to be tested to the limit as AC Milan bid to scoop up the promising player in January.

AC Milan are on the lookout for another midfielder and, ideally, will sign a player not just for the here and now, but the future too – and Eriksen is on their agenda.

Liverpool is thought to have been plotting a swoop for the attacking midfielder, but not before the end of the season. Firm interest from Milan could flush out the Merseyside giants.

Ironically, one of the reasons Milan have set their sights on Eriksen is to bring out the very best in midfielder Alberto Aquilani, loaned to the Rossoneri by Liverpool in the summer.

Aquilani has impressed at Milan, but coach Massimiliano Allegri believes there is much more to come from the former Roma midfielder.

Another concern is veteran Clarence Seedorf’s ageing legs – Eriksen would be a perfect long term replacement.

Gonzalo Higuain Linked With Liverpool Switch

Liverpool are being linked with a shock January move for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

The Argentine international was speculatively place on the Reds' radar this summer, with Kenny Dalglish reportedly keen on the 23-year-old.

However, manager Jose Mourinho denied the club was looking to sell the former River Plate starlet, ending the Merseyside transfer link.

Spanish radio station Candena Ser suggests that Liverpool are back in for the player though, with Higuain at the top of their New Year hitlist.

The forward has fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Karim Benzema appearing to be back in favour under 'the special one'.

Despite strengthening with the addition of Craig Bellamy on deadline day, Liverpool are still thought to be keen on adding to their attacking options alongside the Welshman, Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

The same radio station also claims Liverpool are considering a move for David Villa when the transfer window re-opens, although an Anfield switch would appear a certain non-starter given the player's form with Barcelona.

Leeds Plotting Move To Bring Liverpool Defender To Elland Road

Liverpool are considering allowing young central defender Danny Wilson to leave the club on a short term loan deal in order to gain some vital first team football.

The former Rangers defender was brought to Anfield last summer and has so far struggled to force his way into the Liverpool first team, but is considered a potential star of the future.

The 19-year-old has made just two appearances in the Premier League, but last season was a regular in the Europa League and is certainly still in the clubs plans as manager Kenny Dalglish attempts to build a young side.

Wilson is already a regular for Scotland and was a crucial member of the Ranger side that won the treble in 2010, before earning a move to Liverpool.

The Scot has the likes of Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and new signing Sebastian Coates ahead of him in the pecking order and may have to leave to gain more experience.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson is reportedly interested in taking the defender on loan, while former club Rangers and Blackpool are also said to be interested in bringing in the Liverpool man.

Leeds are currently 11th in the Championship and are hoping to once again push for a place in the play-offs.

Cole Open To Lille Stay

Joe Cole has admitted that he would be willing to consider a permanent switch to Lille when his loan spell comes to an end.

The midfielder will see out the season with the reigning French champions after falling out of favour at Liverpool.

A change of scenery has helped to breathe new life into Cole's career after he stagnated somewhat at Anfield.

The England international is enjoying his football again and that has showed in his performances.

Cole's loan agreement will reach a conclusion next summer, but he has refused to rule out the prospect of remaining in Ligue 1.

"I could join Lille permanently," he said.

"If they are happy with me, and vice versa, I don't see why not.

"Lille have quality players and there's an unbeatable mood in the dressing room. I benefit from it every day and I am enjoying myself.

"There is a superb team spirit at the club. I love playing here."

Kelly A Shock Contender For England Place

Liverpool’s Martin Kelly is a shock contender for a place in the England squad for Friday’s crucial Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro.

The 21-year-old right-back is understood to be part of manager Fabio Capello’s provisional squad.

A final 23 will be named tonight and Kelly could be called up for a match from which England need a point to reach the finals next summer.

Capello was at Goodison Park on Saturday to check on the fitness of Steven Gerrard, who came on as a 67th-minute sub.

Capello said: “If Steven’s fit then he will be with us.”

Capello To Speak To Gerrard

England coach Fabio Capello is ready to call up Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard for the Montenegro clash if he is deemed fit enough.

The Italian tactician spoke out after watching Gerrard come off the bench in the second half of the Reds' 2-0 derby win against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.

The midfielder, who has now played just 45 minutes of first-team football this season due to a six-month groin injury lay-off, revealed earlier this weekend that he did not feel fit enough to feature in this coming Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier, while Reds boss Kenny Dalglish does not want him rushed back too soon.

However, Capello, whose side need a draw in Montenegro to finish top of their group and qualify for next summer's European Championships, wants Gerrard in his squad, but will ultimately let the player decide.

"I want to speak with Steve," Capello said.

"If he decides: 'Yes, I can', he will be with us. If he says he can't, he will stay at home."

Capello is keen for Gerrard to travel as he is already without the likes of Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick.

"We have big problems with the midfielders," he added.

"Some players can stay on the bench, or come on at half-time, but not play all the game. For this reason we need to be careful in every moment."

Match report: Everton 0 - 2 Liverpool

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was the villain in the eyes of Everton fans after he was involved in the sending-off of Jack Rodwell before scoring the second goal in a controversial 216th Merseyside derby victory.

The Uruguay international was berated as a cheat by the majority of Goodison Park - and appeared to have a coin thrown at him - after making the most of Rodwell's sliding tackle midway through the first half.

He also won a penalty - which Dirk Kuyt missed - to add to his growing reputation as Mr Unpopular with the blue half of Merseyside.

Suarez, and the performance of referee Martin Atkinson, somewhat overshadowed Andy Carroll's first Barclays Premier League goal of the season.

His strike was the breakthrough and set his side on the way to victory which Everton had worked so hard for so long to deny their visitors.

The last time Kenny Dalglish left Goodison Park as Liverpool manager more than 20 years ago after a 4-4 FA Cup draw the major story developed two days later when he surprisingly quit citing health problems, brought on partly by the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster.

However, on his first match back as Reds boss, the headlines were being written as early as the 23rd minute.

Rodwell slid in to challenge Suarez and although seemingly winning the ball with a tackle which did not appear to be dangerous Atkinson immediately brandished a red card.

It was the 20th dismissal in 39 Barclays Premier League meetings, 13 of which have been Everton players with eight of those coming in the last 10 games at Goodison.

Prior to that Everton had produced the best chances with Tim Cahill - passed fit after struggling with a shin injury all week - forcing Jose Reina into a fingertip save after rising highest at the far post and Sylvain Distin blazing a shot just over.

But momentum of play changed in an instant after the dismissal as Cahill, who had been posing a threat to the Liverpool defence in an advanced role behind Louis Saha on his first start of the season, was dropped back into a left-sided midfield role.

Everton's high-tempo pressing play was abandoned for a deeper-lying, more measured approach and that played into the visitors' hands as they were able to control possession of the ball.

However, they struggled to make a breakthrough until Phil Jagielka brought down Suarez on the corner of the penalty area just before half-time and Atkinson pointed to the spot.

Kuyt, scorer of five derby goals, stepped up but Howard saved brilliantly low to his left - the first miss from the spot in a Merseyside derby since Robbie Fowler in April 2001.

Howard joined fellow Evertonian George Kitchen and Liverpool duo Sam Hardy and Bruce Grobbelaar as goalkeepers who have saved penalties in cross-city meetings.

And while Charlie Adam did beat Howard in added time at the end of the half his 25-yard shot cannoned down off the crossbar.

Everton continued to make light of their reduced number after the break with Saha shooting just wide after being teed up by Cahill just inside the area.

But Liverpool were starting to create more openings and Carroll's header looked to be creeping inside the post from Stewart Downing's corner before Saha hacked away.

Another Carroll effort had Howard scrambling to his left to turn around the post while Kuyt deflected Adam's quickly-taken free-kick wide.

Saha rifled a 25-yard shot just wide of Reina's right-hand post before, in the 67th minute, Dalglish sent on Steven Gerrard, making only his third substitute appearance after six months out after a groin operation, and Craig Bellamy to win him the game.

But it was not the talismanic Reds captain who made the difference but his fellow substitute.

Just four minutes after coming on the Wales international's run down the left released Jose Enrique and Kuyt cleverly ducked under the Spaniard's cross to allow Carroll to power home from eight yards.

The match was wrapped up in the 82nd minute when Suarez grabbed the second.

Collecting Kuyt's knockdown he was lucky to have Distin's clearance bounce into his chest but he made the most of it to place a left-footed shot past Howard from six yards.

The striker's celebrations in front of the Gwladys Street end were interrupted by a number of bottles being thrown onto the pitch.

Kuyt then hit a post before Suarez showed Atkinson a coin which he alleged had been thrown from the stands.

This match has gained a reputation for being the 'friendly derby' over recent years. It was definitely not on this occasion.

Kenny's Joy At Derby Win

Kenny Dalglish praised a 'professional and composed' display from his players after Liverpool beat 10-man Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Reds had to bide their time before Andy Carroll opened the scoring at Goodison Park when he converted Jose Enrique's cross on 71 minutes after the Blues' Jack Rodwell was shown a straight red card midway through the first half.

Luis Suarez made the three points safe with a neat finish following a mix-up in the Everton defence to leave the boss delighted with the efforts of his charges.

Dalglish told his post-match press conference: "It was pretty even 11 against 11. I have not seen the incident, so I don't know whether he deserved red or not.

"After they went down to 10, we were very professional, composed and thorough in what we were trying to do.

"Sometimes it is difficult to play against 10. It was difficult because you know what you're going to get from Everton and they put in a great effort to try and keep it at 0-0, or even win it themselves.

"It was never going to be easy for us, but I think the way we went about our work was a great credit to the players."

Liverpool could have taken the lead earlier had Tim Howard not produced a fine save to deny Dirk Kuyt from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

Dalglish added: "You're always hoping you're going to make a chance, whether you take it or not is another thing. Although they (Everton) will be unhappy with the result, I think they will be happy with the effort their players put in for them.

"We were delighted with our players and the way they went about their work. It's hypothetical whether we would have won or lost (with 11 versus 11) because we'll never know."

Carroll's deadlock breaker was his first goal in the Barclays Premier League this season.

One reporter put it to Dalglish that a derby goal could provide the No.9 with a lift in confidence, to which the manager replied: "It won't do Luis any harm either!

"What was also pleasing was the reaction of Dirk Kuyt after missing the penalty - it didn't seem to affect him, which is the sign of a strong character.

"Those three incidents are very positive returns for each of the three individuals.

"Big Andy was unlucky a couple of times earlier with headers, but he stroked it away nicely."

Dalglish added: "We said when we signed both of them (Carroll and Suarez) it was a great bit of business for the club and we don't see any reason to change that opinion. I don't think there's any need for us to have a weekly bulletin about how they've played either.

"We're delighted with them. Andy has worked really, really hard in training and he is getting his reward on the pitch."

Meanwhile, a satisfying afternoon for Liverpool was enhanced by the sight of Steven Gerrard getting a further 23 minutes under his belt after entering the action as a second-half substitute to continue his comeback.

Dalglish was quizzed on the prospect of the No.8 being included in England's squad for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro.

He said: "It's another step forward for Steven coming on in the derby and getting a few more minutes under his belt. I think Steven aired his views yesterday and I don't think there is anything I need to add with regards to that.

"With regards to any reaction after the game, there was none whatsoever other than happiness about the result."

Martin Kelly's international future was also the subject of journalists' questions.

The full-back turned in another assured display at Goodison Park and Dalglish was quizzed on whether he could soon make the step up from U21 to full international for England.

"Fabio (Capello) has got to pick a team and he'll pick whoever he wants to pick," said the gaffer. "We're delighted with Martin and where his performances for us take him, I don't know."

Suarez Delight For Carroll

Luis Suarez spoke of his delight after he and strike-partner Andy Carroll fired the goals which won the 216th Merseyside derby.

Carroll opened the goalscoring in the second half before Suarez secured the 2-0 win following a defensive error from the hosts.

All this after the first-half dismissal of Jack Rodwell following a challenge on Suarez.

Afterwards our No.7 paid tribute to fellow January arrival Carroll and the Reds fans who travelled to Goodison.

"We tried with one more man," he said. "For a striker you always try to score but I am happy as well today that Andy scored.

"For me it's unbelievable because I've been here nine months and every time the fans help me. It's unbelievable of them."

Moyes Angered By Red Card

David Moyes was hugely disappointed with the red card brandished to Jack Rodwell in Everton's 2-0 Merseyside derby loss against Liverpool.

Rodwell was sent off in the first half of the encounter at Goodison Park for a sliding challenge on Luis Suarez. The midfielder won the ball but referee Martin Atkinson opted to reduce the home side to ten men.

Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool went on to win the game courtesy of late goal from Andy Carroll and Suarez, much to the anger of Moyes, who singled out Atkinson for criticism.

Moyes said: "I thought it ruined the game. There are a lot of questions that people ask about derbies, tackles and sendings-off but that wasn't down to a bad tackle.

"I would have been disappointed if it had been a free-kick and if he had given a yellow card you would have said 'what is that for?'. It would have been hard playing Liverpool 11 v 11 - it was a really tough game for us and it became tougher."

Moyes has history with Atkinson as he was fined £8,000 by the Football Association 12 months ago for confronting the official at the end of their 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Goodison Park.

"We've not had this referee since myself and Steve Round were fined one year ago against Manchester United," Moyes said. "It was interesting that the PGMO (Premier Game Match Officials Ltd) sent him into both clubs this week to do the referee's appraisal prior to this game.

"It needs people who watch and play the game and understand it and write about it to see it (Atkinson's decision) because it is easy for me to say it.

"Too often people talk about the players not doing it right but it wasn't the players yesterday.

"I don't think anyone in this world thought it was [a sending off] but it is one of these things that we just have to take that it was wrong and move on. I don't know if we can appeal the red card."

Moyes admitted, however, that other factors contributed to their defeat. "The team did everything but at the end of the day it wasn't the referee that lost us the game, we made a couple of defensive lapses," he added.