It was a challenge that would not have looked out of place in a derby in years gone by - but even Everton manager David Moyes considered his captain James Tarkowski "lucky" to stay on the pitch.
In the 11th minute and with a loose ball to contest, Toffees centre-back Tarkowski lunged in to clear his lines but caught Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister just below the knee with his studs.
Referee Sam Barrott went immediately to his pocket and there could have been few complaints if he brandished a red card - but instead only a yellow was issued.