They had a late effort from Jordan Henderson ruled out, after they were twice pegged back by the hosts.

Everton remained top of the table on 13 points, three ahead of Liverpool, after an incident-packed end to the 237th Merseyside derby.

The game was locked at 2-2 after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 10th goal of the season in all competitions had brought Everton level in the 81st minute.

But in stoppage time, Thiago Alcantara’s clever pass found Sadio Mane and the Senagalese’s low cross was turned in by Henderson, only for VAR to find the narrowest of offsides.

To add to Liverpool’s disappointment, they suffered an injury to key defender Virgil van Dijk which forced the Dutchman out of the game in the 11th minute.

Liverpool were humiliated 7-2 by Aston Villa just before the international break but they quickly set about putting things right.

Mane scored in the third minute, firing home a low cross from Andy Robertson.

Liverpool suffered a blow eight minutes later when defender Van Dijk went down and had to be substituted after a reckless challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Everton took advantage of the Dutchman’s absence, when, from a corner-kick Michael Keane rose at the near post to power a header past Adrian.

Liverpool were on top for long stretches and Mohamed Salah restored their lead in the 72nd minute.

He pounced on a headed clearance from Yerry Mina to drill a drive past Pickford for his 100th goal for the club.

But Everton, determined not to lose their unbeaten record, got back on level terms when James Rodriguez sent Lucas Digne down the left.

Digne’s perfectly-floated cross was headed home by the leaping Calvert-Lewin.

Everton’s Brazilian forward Richarlison was sent off in the 90th minute after a wild challenge on Alcantara.

Then came the VAR drama that left Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp bemused.

“I’ve seen the disallowed goal at the end and in the picture I saw it wasn’t offside. Can someone explain that to me?,” the German said.

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Guardiola made the statement after his side scored a goal against Watford that was initially flagged offside on Saturday.

City’s opening goal by Raheem Sterling in their 3-1 win sparked controversy after referee Paul Tierney changed his mind about the offside call following a discussion with his assistant.

“There should be an easy solution and next season there will be. With VAR, that will not be a problem, it will be fairer,” Guardiola told reporters.

“The game is so fast and so quick, even the people sat here don’t know if it is offside or onside.

“If we have doubts here, imagine how it is for the referee who has to make a decision in a split second.

“I am so sorry and I apologise to Javi (Gracia) and to Watford if the first goal is offside.”

Other Premier League managers have backed the introduction of VAR, including Arsenal’s Unai Emery.

The Arsenal boss suggested that the system might prevent game-changing decisions going the wrong way.

Guardiola said the Premier League was lagging behind other European countries which had already implemented VAR in their top-flight leagues.

“Hopefully next season, like in Europe, they can accept that we install VAR in this situation and it will be fair,” Guardiola added.

“Manchester City voted to install VAR this season. Some other clubs did not accept it.”

The Champions League has also implemented VAR in the knockout stages this season and UEFA has released statements on its website to explain its use of the system.

UEFA said it was introduced to justify decisions made by the referees in the last-16 matches so far.

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