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Liverpool took on Everton in Merseyside derby 232 in the English league. Everton had been on a good run of form and were expected to provide a tough challenge to Liverpool. However, Liverpool have not lost to Everton at Anfield since 1999, and were favourites for this game as well.
Everton began well, and were unlucky not to be ahead as Yerry Mina missed a sitter from a free kick. Liverpool too had many good chances as Sadio Mane slashed over with just the goalkeeper to beat, and Xherdan Shaqiri smashed straight at the goalkeeper with the goal wide open.
The best chance of the first half fell in the way of Everton Midfielder Andre Gomes whose effort on goal was saved heroically by first Alisson and then by a goal line clearance from Joe Gomez.
The second half was a bit tight as both sides failed to create clear cut opportunities. Divock Origi who was brought on in place of Roberto Firmino struck the post in the final few minutes.
However, in an unbelievable finish, Liverpool scraped a 1-0 win courtesy of a poor clearance from England’s #1, Jordan Pickford, who failed to deal with a high ball, and the resultant chance was headed in goal by Origi. The win ensured that Liverpool stay within touching distance of league leaders Manchester City.
Hits
#1 Bernard
The diminutive Brazilian was a constant threat down the left flank for Everton, especially in the first half. It was one of the finest games in a blue shirt for Bernard who made plenty of clever runs and created openings for his team mates.
In a game where all the focus was on his compatriot Richarlison, Bernard emerged as a bigger threat for Liverpool's defence. It was his ball from the left which created the golden chance for The Toffees that was scuffed off the goal line by Joe Gomez.
Bernard ensured that the likes of Trent-Alexander Arnold and Joe Gomez had a tough time on the right side of Liverpool's defence. However, as the game wore on Bernard looked a little tired and was subbed off in the dying minutes in favour of Calvert-Lewin.
#2 Joe Gomez
The England centre half was brought into the starting line-up in place of Dejan Lovren who started against PSG in mid-week. The 21-year old showed everyone just why he is regarded as one of the best upcoming talents in English football.
Gomez had a stellar game and kept Richarlison extremely quiet for most of the game, but it was his unbelievable goal line clearance in the first half which proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Gomez dived across the goal line, and with his left boot somehow managed to clear the ball. It was an important moment in the match as a goal at that moment would have given a big boost to the visitors. He was however booked in the latter stages of the game for a late tackle on Richarlison.
#3 Divock Origi
Who would have thought? The unlikeliest of heroes in the Merseyside derby! The young Belgian has fallen behind the likes of Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order at Liverpool.
Origi was brought on in place of the ineffective Roberto Firmino during the dying stages of the game, and was a handful for the Evertonian defence throughout the remaining minutes.
First, his brilliant run down the right side and a lovely ball almost ensured a tap in for Sadio Mane. Later on, his excellent effort from a tight angle found the upright as Everton somehow survived.
However, in what was virtually the last kick of the game, it was his sheer desire to get his team the win that gave him a simple tap in, what turned out to be one of the most fortuitous goals ever.
Flops
#4 Sadio Mane
Mane is going through a bit of torrid form lately, and has struggled to make impact during his last few games for The Reds. The Senegalese has rapid pace, but his touch usually lets him down.
His passing in the final third is also a concern. Today, it was his finishing which was off colour. Mane had many chances to wrap up the three points for the home side but struggled to find the net.
After being put through by Mohamed Salah in the 11th minute of the game, Mane thrashed his shot over the bar. In the second half as well, Mane had a chance to make amends but fired wide.
Then from the edge of the box, Mane unleashed a curling shot which also failed to trouble the goal keeper. With games coming thick and fast now, Mane needs to up his game if Liverpool are to mount a title challenge.
#5 Richarlison
Before the game all the talk about Everton’s chances revolved around Richarlison. Richarlison has been in good form all through the season and is the pivot around which the Everton forward line revolves. But the Brazilian striker failed to do anything of note in the game, and was out-shined by his compatriot Bernard.
Richarlison didn't get to see much of the ball and looked frustrated on the pitch. He was no match for Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk’s aerial prowess, and was kept quiet for most of the game by Liverpool’s defence.
He had a golden opportunity in the first half but lost balance with just the goalkeeper to beat. Apart from that chance, he could not influence the play much. Richarlison won’t get many chances against top teams, and needs to improve his hold up play if he is to play in the number 9 role for Everton.
