It was harder to come by than many predicted but Liverpool remain on Manchester City’s tails after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Everton in a feisty Merseyside derby on Sunday.
The first half was a bad tempered affair, with Everton, knowing they could not go toe-to-toe with this superb Liverpool team who had won their previous 11 home league games by an aggregate scoreline of 33-2, doing everything they could to frustrate their opponents.
They stayed down longer when injured, flew into tackles, and reacted angrily and en masse to anything Liverpool left in themselves. It was a proper, old fashioned, and very unexpected derby tussle.
After the break, Everton more than continued to hold their own, with Anthony Gordon providing a real outlet on the lefthand side.
More from Football
Everton thought they should have been awarded a penalty as Gordon was felled by Joel Matip, before the Scouser got up and dragged an effort just wide moments later.
But, all it took was one brilliant cross from Mohamed Salah to unlock the tenacious Toffees, with Andy Robertson on hand to head his side into the lead and instigate pandemonium at Anfield
Cries of “Going Down” came booming from the Kop, before another rendition of “Rafa Benitez” rubbed further salt into Everton wounds.
Undeterred, Demarai Gray almost arrowed a stunning equaliser into the top corner, but it flew just wide of Alisson’s goal with the Brazilian beaten.
That was as good as it got for Everton, as a popular figure put the game to bed. In his hour of need in the biggest matches, Jurgen Klopp often turns to Divock Origi, and once again the peripheral figure pounced to secure the points, this time heading home five minutes from time.
A 12th win in their last 13 league games ensures Liverpool again move one behind City, who still must slip up if the Reds are to win back their Premier League crown.
Liverpool travel to Newcastle next Saturday after Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final with Villarreal, while City host Real Madrid on Tuesday before a trip to Elland Road and a revitalised Leeds.
Everton can take heart from a spirited performance, but finish the day in the relegation zone, two points from safety after Burnley’s victory over Wolves saw the Clarets – still unbeaten since Sean Dyche’s exit – climb to 17th.
Liverpool vs Everton player ratings
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson 6 – Andy Robertson 7, Virgil van Dijk 6, Joel Matip 6, Trent Alexander-Arnold 6 – Thiago Alcantara 6, Fabinho 6, Naby Keita 6 – Diogo Jota 5, Sadio Mane 5, Mohamed Salah 7
Substitutes: Divock Origi 7, Luis Diaz 6, Jordan Henderson 6
Everton (4-3-3): Jordan Pickford 6 – Vitalii Mykolenko 7, Michael Keane 7, Mason Holgate 7, Seamus Coleman 7 – Alex Iwobi 7, Allan 7, Abdoulaye Doucoure 6 – Anthony Gordon 8, Richarlison 7, Demarai Gray 7
Substitutes: Salomon Rondon 6, Dele Alli 6
from Football | News and analysis from the Premier League and beyond | iNews https://ift.tt/QkJhLS7
Post a Comment