The first derby after the restart of Premier League football was played between Everton and Liverpool earlier today at Goodison Park. With a gulf in class differentiating the two sides, while Liverpool was looking to get their first victory after the season came to an abrupt halt in March, Everton was looking to make a comeback into the top ten of the Premier League table with three points.
It was a mediocre first half for both sides, with very few chances created and wasted. However, in the second half, though Liverpool looked to dominate the possession, Everton came close to open the scoring as Richarlison’s effort went agonisingly close off the Liverpool goal and later, Tom Davies’ effort came off the far post as Toffees were denied a victory in their return to Premier League table.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would be a little concerned with two of his players, James Milner and Joel Matip leaving the field with injuries. Though they didn’t look very serious, Klopp will want that no harm has been done to his experienced campaigners as the Reds go 23 points clear of closest rivals Manchester City in the league table with one point from the Merseyside derby.
Key Talking Points From The Match; Everton vs Liverpool:
Liverpool’s lack of intent
Jurgen Klopp’s men looked a little bit weak on the attack. It was due to the absence of Mohammed Salah in their lineup. The German gaffer gave Takumi Minamino a go from the start. However, the Japanese international looked well short of the performance which was expected of him. This can be a cause of major concern for the Reds manager. He will think twice going forward before giving him more chances. Liverpool is trying to win their first Premier League title in decades.
It is expected that he will surely provide one of their best forwards in his arsenal, Mo Salah, a starting spot in the next match. Klopp will want to shake things up as far as the team’s attacking combination is concerned.
Everton and their defensive class
Everton looked solid defensively throughout the match as the likes of Mason Holgate and Michael Keane, along with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford provided the Toffees solidity in the heart of the defence. Tom Davies and Andre Gomes also looked to make tackles in the central midfield. They intercepted the Liverpool attacks before they could build. This stopped the visitors from casting any sort of danger on the Everton goal.
No doubt Carlo Ancelotti will be happy with his team’s performance. They gave away five goals earlier this season in the Merseyside derby played at Anfield.
Liverpool’s title hopes
With 83 points from their 30 matches, the Reds are looking tantalisingly close to notching up their first Premier League title. However, it will not be a wise decision to show complacency for Jurgen Klopp’s men at this point in time. The season is currently in its business end.
The forwards like Sadio Mane and Firmino looked a little out of sorts tonight. It is expected that they will pull up their socks in the next few fixtures. They will provide the impetus for their team to fulfil their long-cherished dream of becoming the champions of England.
