Divock Origi capitalised on a blunder by Jordan Pickford to give Liverpool a dramatic derby win over Everton.
The Belgian proved a super sub to settle a tense encounter in the closing minutes, hitting the bar before netting in injury time after the Everton keeper had palmed the ball onto the bar when he could have let it go out.
Origi’s first Liverpool goal since May 2017 was cruel on Everton as they had both frustrated and threatened the Reds in the 100th meeting of the rivals at Anfield, but Jurgen Klopp – who could be in trouble after storming the pitch in celebration – will be relieved as his side remain two points behind leaders Manchester City.
Here are our talking points:
RAGGED REDS FRONTLINE
The fact Mohamed Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri and Roberto Firmino did not last 85 minutes against Everton says it all for Liverpool’s attack. Had Klopp been allowed another substitute he might well have taken Sadio Mane off too.
The quartet have class, but failed to show much in a disjointed, dispiriting display that belied the innovative, inspirational efforts of last season.
Klopp has tinkered with his shape to find the right formula, but the one he started with at Anfield clearly does not work. The Reds looked timid up front, lacking the verve and venom for which they have often destroyed opponents.
Firmino looked lost in a role behind Salah as the main striker. He was so deep he was alongside Virgil van Dijk at one point trying to get on the ball. Salah seems far better suited coming from deep or off the flank with the runs that defences cannot sense or stop.
Shaqiri and Mane wasted good opportunities and were largely ineffective.
Klopp, to his credit, saw that and disregarded reputations, and upsetting his main men, by taking a gamble with his changes and switching to a 4-3-3 formation. Origi has been the forgotten man at Anfield but his energy and exuberance was just what his side needed to snatch a vital victory. He should get more games now, particularly if others are in a comfort zone and not contributing enough.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
While title-winning teams often owe their success to the strength of their attacks, they have often been captained by centre-backs in the Premier League era.
Even Leicester’s fairytale triumph saw Wes Morgan lead them to glory.
Liverpool’s backline has blossomed this season. Virgil van Dijk, captain in the absence of the suspended Jordan Henderson, has come to the fore, helping his young centre-back partner Joe Gomez and full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Barely a moment passed by when he was not pointing or prompting, whether it was getting their positions right or offering words of encouragement. It was reminiscent of the great captains of recent times. Be it Nemanja Vidic with his warrior-like efforts at Manchester United, Chelsea’s John Terry or Vincent Kompany at Manchester City.
Van Dijk is of their mould, classy and courageous with an imposing and inspiring presence, including an assist – albeit very fortuitous – for Origi’s winner. Henderson’s starting place is by no means secure. But there is no doubt Liverpool have a captain ready and able, and perhaps the next defensive leader in line to lift the championship.
📊Virgil Van Dijk’s contribution in @LFC’s 1-0 win v Everton
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 2, 2018
101 touches (most in match)
6 aerial duels
Blocked 2 shots
Liverpool keep 21st clean sheet in PL v Everton - more than against any other opponent pic.twitter.com/RtBiCLOAKc
GOMES IS HEAVEN-SENT
Andre Gomes once described his time at Barcelona as “hell”. It’s safe to say he’s in heaven at Everton following his loan switch in the summer. And finally the Portuguese international has been able to show the displays that saw him coveted by Europe’s elite before he went to the Nou Camp just two years ago in a deal potentially worth €55 million.
While fans and pundits questioned Gomes’ ability and desire at Barca, it has been the opposite at the Toffees where manager Marco Silva has shown faith and seen the player flourish. Comfortable on the ball, his intelligence and industry were reflected in another impressive performance at Anfield. The way he started and almost finished the move that saw Alisson keep out his header with a point-blank save was a particular highlight.
The club will push Barca into a permanent deal just as they did with Lucas Digne and Yerry Mina. These three may have been unwanted by Barca, but they are vital if Everton are to grow and close the gap to the top six as Silva hopes.
