It was a derby yet again as Liverpool defeated close rivals, Everton, at Anfield. It was a tough context as it took 71 minutes for the much-changed Liverpool side to find the winning goal in the context.
What a goal it was as Curtis Jones became Liverpool match-winner on a day Liverpool usually front three; Sadio Mane, Roberts Firmino and Mo Salah were not on the pitch.
With the impressive win for Klopp and the Reds, we take a look at the significant point from the action-packed game.
Liverpool on a High
It was a very good message for the Reds to pass along as they started the FA Cup on a bright note. Not only that but beating Everton (serial) rival 1-0 at home despite the absence of the aforementioned Liverpool Trio notably in the attack.
This shows what they can bring to the New Year as their (Liverpool) form and match performance is relatively positive even as the German Jürgen Klopp continues to mastermind the clubs success this season.
They would take the win into the Premier League clash against Tottenham despite a couple of personnel changes made by the Reds in the fixture as the confidence continues to brew among the Liverpool mix.
Merseyside Ascendancy
Curtis Jones’s goal offered Liverpool the platform to eliminate close rival Everton out of the FA Cup. Having beaten them already in the League, it was an opportunity for the Toffees to get an act of revenge over their Merseyside Foe as well as for Carlo Ancelotti to stamp his tactical onus and authority against Liverpool.
But that was not to be for the visitor as Liverpool continues to gain ascendancy over the Toffees with a 1-0 home win and a passage to the next round of the FA Cup.
Massive Impression from Jones
Though it took up to 71st minute for Curtis Jones to find the winner but we can say (argue) that the goal came at the right time for the Reds in the game.
Though the two teams expected an early response (goal already) in the match especially Liverpool who were playing at home. But the crowd has to wait until Jones produced the trigger (bombshell) to settle the match as he gave the fans something to cheer (New Year cheers) while also impressing his manager Jürgen Klopp ahead
of the further game in the season to his advantage (more opportunities) on the pitch.