One of the highlights of the season is when the two halves of the city of Liverpool butt heads to not only further their individual campaigns but ultimately to claim the crown of Merseyside. Coming from opposite ends of the table, Liverpool and Everton are desperate to claim all of the takings in order to either keep their title challenge alive or to avoid relegation, can you guess which? Ultimately, the Reds were victorious with Andy Robertson (62′) and ‘Mr big game player’ himself Divock Origi (85′) hitting the final nail in the coffin. Read on for our full Liverpool 2-0 Everton match report.
Otherwise, you can check out the full highlights by clicking here.
Image source: This is Anfield
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
Premier League, Sunday 24th April, Anfield
As the first half got underway, it became clear rather quickly that Everton would be playing the ‘safe game’, let Liverpool keep the ball, absorb their pressure and hold them back for as long as possible. Quite frankly, they played like a team desperate to avoid relegation, which is the situation they find themselves in. There were periods of the opening half where Liverpool registered over 90% possession while Everton posed no threat to get ahead and stake a claim to get out of the relegation zone.
Everton was successful in their game plan by halftime as the scoreline read 0-0 with only the occasional scuffed chance, most notably by Abdoulaye Doucoure’. Honestly, there is not much more that can be said about this first half. Oh, and of course, Jordan Pickford’s embarrassing time-wasting. Honestly, you have to see it.
Image source: This is Anfield
Liverpool 2-0 Everton | Second Half
The second half proved to be a lot more eventful than the first, although there were still long periods of Liverpool claiming the lion’s share of possession (82%) and Everton doing little to try to claim all three points for themselves.
A nice exchange between Salah and substitute Divock Origi in Everton’s penalty area resulted in a nice cross from Salah to find Andy Robertson tampering in and sending the ball past a floundering Jordan Pickford. Liverpool goes 1-0 ahead in minute 62′. Considering Everton was 1-0 down with less than a half to go, you would think this would spur them on to try and equalise, but Frank Lampard had different ideas, doing little to switch things up.
Nearing the full-time whistle, Luis Diaz tried to etch his name into the history books with an ambitious overhead kick. While this did not find the back of the net (maybe next time, Luis?) it was effectively a pinpoint accurate cross for Divock Origi’s towering barnet. Heading past Pickford to make it 2-0. There is just something satisfying about hearing Origi’s name in a Merseyside derby. If he leaves, he does so with his head held high.
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Everton
Final Words
While Liverpool continues their pursuit of the Premier League, Everton sees their struggle for survival take another punch in the gut. With meetings with Chelsea, Leicester City and Arsenal before the season’s end, things are looking bleak for the blues. And for goodness sake, just get Divock a new contract, even just for the derbies next year, if Everton stays up of course!
Thanks for reading! Keep up with all of our football content as the title race hots up by following this link.
