STEVE BATES

It’s already a big talking point that has split fans, and after a day to forget for Lukaku and Barkley maybe those who are desperate to see the pair stay at Everton may well shift their position.

The duo are Everton’s crown jewels. But there was nothing sparkling about their performances yesterday as Liverpool strengthened their top-four hand with a comprehensive win over their depleted rivals.

Considering Everton’s shocking derby record after failing to win at Anfield since 1999, that’s no great surprise.

But Everton fans could rightly have expected Lukaku and Barkley to show exactly why Europe’s top clubs are on their tail.

Instead, uninterested- looking Lukaku was anonymous while steamedup Barkley stalked Anfield seemingly hell-bent on getting sent off.

Early in the game Barkley left his mark on Dejan Lovren and Emre Can then went over the top with a nasty challenge on Lovren again which could easily have provoked a red from referee Anthony Taylor, who instead chose yellow.

It wasn’t the input Koeman wanted from his two main men, especially as a raft of injuries in key areas left them at the mercy of a Liverpool side who need no encouragement to go for the jugular on home turf.

Belgium striker Lukaku wants to play Champions League football and has snubbed a £130,000-per-week new contract offer, while Barkley is keeping his options open with just over a year