The 265th Merseyside Derby ended in a rather boring stalemate between the two sides. The game, which was held at Goodison Park, carried a lot of weight around it due to its importance to the Reds winning the Premier League title.
Following the start of the match’s proceedings, a very defensive approach was taken by Everton FC. The Reds, who were without Mohammad Salah on the right-wing, fielded Takumi Minamino in the Egyptian’s place. The Japan international was quick on his feet and was closing down Everton FC left-back Lucas Digne constantly.
With Andy Robertson sidelined due to an injury, James Milner deputized for Liverpool FC at left back. However, the Reds vice-captain too had to be brought off the pitch after a hamstring pull. Milner was replaced by Joe Gomez at left-back, a relatively new position for the central defender.
The biggest chances of the game for the Reds fell to Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino. Matip shot his header downwards off a Trent Alexander Arnold freekick. The centre-back should have placed his header much better considering that he was unmarked in the Everton FC box.
After Andre Gomes was disposed of the ball by Reds skipper Jordan Henderson, Firmino had glorious opportunity to score. However, instead of troubling opposition goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, the Reds striker shot wide of the goal.
The first half seemed as if the Reds were still getting back to usual ways following the three month break. There were few chances to be squandered by the Reds in the first 45 minutes of the game. The players looked a bit cautious on the ball, unlike the fiery attacking side seen in the Reds as before.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain replaced Minamino at the start of the second half. The former Arsenal man played in the right-winger role and linked up well with Arnold. Chamberlain’s introduction on the field gave the Reds some much-needed boost in the attacking department of the game.
Everton FC went close to scoring in the last ten minutes of the Derby. Substitute Dejan Lovren was caught by a long ball and Richarlision dribbled past the Croatian with ease. Richarlison then squared the ball away for Calvert-Lewin, whose shot was saved by Alisson at the near post.
However, the danger was not averted as Tom Davis was ready for a rebound following Alisson’s save. The midfielder’s attempt to find the net scrambled off the post before being cleared by Virgil van Dijk. These events increased the anxiousness of the Reds supporters in the dying moments of the game.
The final seconds of the game saw Pickford tip a well-struck free-kick by Fabinho over the goal. The final whistle soon blew, and the match ended in a draw for the two Merseyside rivals.
The result left Liverpool FC 23 points clear of Manchester City FC, who have a game in hand. However, the Reds require just five points to seal the Premier League title, with eight fixtures remaining.
MATCH STATS
SCORE: 0-0
Possession: Everton FC- 30.1% Liverpool FC- 69.8%
Yellow Cards: Everton FC- 2 Liverpool FC- 2
Shots: Everton FC- 9 Liverpool FC- 10
Offsides: Everton FC- 2 Liverpool FC- 1
