Last night’s Merseyside derby at Anfield was a thrilling spectacle, showcasing not only a much-needed victory for Liverpool but also a memorable confrontation that had supporters buzzing. Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's formidable captain, found an opportunity to make his mark against Everton's James Tarkowski—much to the delight of the Anfield faithful.

After experiencing two frustrating defeats prior to the international break, Liverpool returned to winning ways, overcoming Everton with a decisive goal from Diogo Jota just before the 60-minute mark. However, the match was not without its controversies. One pivotal moment arose when Tarkowski executed a dangerous tackle on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, enraging commentators and fans alike, with Gary Neville among those left astonished that the Toffees defender only received a yellow card.

Tarkowski's checkered history with Liverpool fans adds further context to this drama. He notably scored a last-minute equalizer against the Reds in their previous fixture back in February, earning himself a place on the wrong side of Liverpool supporters' hearts.

Things heated up in the second half when Van Dijk seized his chance for a little payback. As Tarkowski grabbed his shirt, the Dutchman showed his strength, pushing him to the ground effortlessly. This moment prompted Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to protest frantically to the referee, but the crowd at the Kop erupted in laughter, delighting in their captain’s assertiveness.

What's clear is that Tarkowski should have been sent packing long before this particular showdown. The audacity of his earlier tackle on Mac Allister that went unpunished raises serious questions about officiating—how both referee Sam Barrott and the VAR team overlooked such a dangerous challenge is beyond many fans’ comprehension.

The incident not only encapsulated the fierce rivalry between the two clubs but also underlined Van Dijk's leadership and physical presence on the pitch. Perhaps Tarkowski will think twice in the future before launching into reckless challenges, especially given the reshuffled balance of power in that moment with Van Dijk asserting his dominance.

For a closer look at this surprising confrontation, check out the footage shared on social media platforms. The derbies just keep getting better, don't they?