Liverpool made another misstep in the Premier League, which will most likely be fatal to the team’s ambitions to triumph with the coveted title.
Jurgen Klopp’s side fell 2-0 to city rivals Everton for their first defeat in the German manager’s last game at Goodison Park.
Jerad Braithwaite opened the score in favor of the “caramels” in the 27th minute. Calvert-Lewin made it 2-0 in the 58th minute to give his side the lead. However, the undisputed player of the match was guard Jordan Pickford, who recorded close to double-digit number of key saves and checked the opposing attack.
The fourth loss of the season moved the Merseysiders to 3 points behind the first Arsenal (74 out of 77 points). Manchester City, for its part, is 1 less than the “reds”, but also with 2 games passive.
The Blues, for their part, took an extremely important step in their battle for survival in the elite. The Caramels moved 8 points away from the danger zone.
FIRST HALF
Worrying start for Liverpool. As early as the 6th minute, the head referee indicated the white spot for a foul on Alisson against Calvert-Lewin. However, after a review by VAR, it became clear that the attacker was ambushed.
The “Reds” responded instantly. Alexander-Arnold delivered a superb pass to Mohamed Salah from the right. The Egyptian took control and continued to the second post, but the ball was cleared right in front of Darwin Nunes’ eyes.
GOOOOL! The logical thing happened and Everton opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After an absolute mess and ridiculous attempts to clear, the Liverpool defenders presented the ball at the feet of Braithwaite. The defender shot hard, Alisson deflected, but the ball still ended up in his goal.
Amazing miss in the 35th minute for Darwin Nunes. The Uruguayan reminded of himself with a very weak performance from a great position. The battering ram came face to face with Pickford, but fired straight at him.
Again, Pickford prevented a sure goal in his own goal. Luis Diaz received a great pass from Mohamed Salah. With one touch, the wing tried to poke the leather “ball” between the guard’s legs, but failed.
SECOND HALF-TIME
Liverpool started the second half very strongly, aiming to quickly return the goalless deficit. Nunes, Salah and company tested their crosshairs several times, but to no avail.
In the 54th minute, Andy Robertson received a nice pass from the left. Uncovered, from close range, instead of controlling, he tries a difficult outside crease and misses.
Everton hit back. In the 57th minute, McNeill found himself in a good position to shoot. He shoots very hard and just under the crossbar, but Alisson intervenes.
GOOOOL! Liverpool did not learn their lesson, and the “caramels” did not forgive this. On a cross, Alexander-Arnold demonstrates striking positioning and a lack of any bounce. That made Calvert-Lewin’s job easy – the striker rose and doubled the lead with a fine header.
Luis Diaz rattled the crossbar in the 69th minute of the match. With a very technical shot into the far corner, the Colombian tried to surprise Pickford but aimed for the left side post.
Again, Pickford was the final barrier between Liverpool and a goal in the 89th minute. Harvey Elliott sent a beautiful “falling sheet” under the crossbar, but the keeper saved.
COMPOSE
Everton: Pickford, Godfrey, Tarkovsky, Branthwaite, Mikolenko, Gay, Garner, Ducouret, Harrison, McNeill, Calvert-Lewin
Liverpool: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, McAllister, Soboslay, Jones, Diaz, Salah, Nunes
BEFORE THE MATCH
A lot will be at stake in the Merseyside derby, which is number 244. Everton are fighting for their survival in England’s elite, while Liverpool’s stars will try to send their manager Jurgen Klopp off by winning the Premier League title.
The Reds are on a run of 2 wins, 2 losses and a draw in all competitions and are in second place with an asset of 74 points – 3 behind leaders Arsenal. Everton is in the same series of matches, but is in the 16th position with 30 points on its account.
The first meeting at “Anfield” in the season ended with a score of 2:0 for the “reds”, and the victory then brought Mohamed Salah with his two goals in front of the home crowd.
