Lovren continues to baffle, Big Sam knows how to stifle: 5 talking points from Liverpool vs Everton

#4 Everton have a game plan, no matter how drab it is

Liverpool v Everton - Premier League

Sam Allardyce’s appointment wasn’t met with optimism, but the Everton fans sort of knew what they were going to get. The former England manager has a clear game plan of stopping teams from playing first and then trying to pinch something at the other end.

Sure, it’s frustrating, but can it get any worse than what the Evertonians endured in that chastening first few months under Ronald Koeman? Against Liverpool, Everton defended sturdily and limited the hosts to a few chances, even though they should have been punished.

Allardyce is a devout fan of stats, so if you keep a clean sheet, you’re guaranteed a point, are you not? On the other hand, even two goals don’t really guarantee you a point, so it’s easy to see why his priority lies in the strengthening the defence.