Everton vs Liverpool

Goodison Park

FS: 2-2

Goals: Keane (19′) Calvert Lewin (81′) Mane (3′) Salah (72′)

17th of October 2020

Drama, controversy, and ferocity proliferated around Goodison this afternoon. From red cards to disallowed goals, horror tackles, and VAR controversy: the Merseyside derby didn’t disappoint! Throw in the last minute twists and turns of the game and no could argue, if you felt that, even for a brief moment, everything was back to normal . For me, it was a truly entertaining spectacle!

From the outset, Liverpool needed to start well, and they did. Their intensity in the opening 15 minutes, was such that Carlo Ancelotti’s men could barely get near them. It seemed that Jurgen Klopp’s lengthy text to his players after their thrashing at Villa Park, provided the perfect motivator for his team to deliver. Within three minutes, the Reds scored courtesy of Andy Robertson, beating captain Seamus Coleman, and setting up Sadio Mane with an emphatic finish past keeper Jordan Pickford. It was that cold and clinical finish shown by Mane, that we missed against Villa.

With Liverpool in the ascendancy, they rammed their dominance to the Toffees. For any Reds fan, this was the perfect start to the derby. The type of performances, we are accustomed to seeing! Maybe I spoke too soon. Then, a corner on the 5 minute mark was cleared, but Fabinho chipped the ball over the advancing line of the Everton back four. With that, Pickford was exposed, Virgil van Dijk, up for the corner and was on goal; setting up a second for Liverpool. Pickford then, suffered of his aberrations which he is now famously renowned for.

Put simply, it was a high, dangerous and utterly reckless tackle! For me, a career ending challenge. Any fan watching, would think, a penalty but VAR deemed Van Dijk to be offside, which on the replay was the correct decision. But you have to question, the decision making of David Coote, the VAR official, who didn’t bother to check for a possible red card, which should have been given regardless. For me, you won’t find a clearer sending off this season. Pickford should have gone! A very lucky man..

With Van Dijk leaving the pitch after 20 minutes played; Joe Gomez was the man to replace the dutchman. Pickford’s challenge for me, changed the game and momentum for Liverpool, it allowed Everton to slowly gain a grip of the match. A more equal contest ensued, with defender Michael Keane’s header missed by both Fabinho and goalkeeper Adrain, equalising the score-lines. As the first half drew to a close, the champions had their chances but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. A clear frustration displayed by Klopp on the side lines. A flying free kick from Alexander-Arnold saved by Pickford , a near carbon copy of Mane’s first goal and captain Jordan Henderson’s volley at 48 minutes failed to secure the reds a half time lead.

The second half began, with both teams trading blows but neither one able to take advantage. Until 72 minutes in, when Jordan Henderson sent in a sublime cross to the box; the perfect height for the preying Egyptian Salah to volley home. With Liverpool ahead, it was time for the reds to shut up shop! Yet, the game wasn’t over!

In my match preview, I said how Everton needed Calvert Lewin to show up this afternoon, for the Toffees to secure the three points. Throughout the match, he was quiet, with very little service given to him by the midfield, but once in possession, he showed his real quality. With 81 minutes played, and his team trailing, an exciting cross by Lucas Digne; DCL displayed his towering presence mid-air above Robertson, heading home an eleventh goal for both club and country this season.

Then came the finale- no Merseyside Derby is ever complete without a red card. This time, Michael Oliver showing red to Richarlison, after wiping out Thiago; a decision which was in no doubt. A record 22 red cards now shown in this historic derby! With Everton down to 10 men, and six minutes remaining; Liverpool smelt blood. With Sadio Mane flying down the left channel, and turning the ball back to Jordan Henderson for a shot that Jordan Pickford should have possibly saved. A dramatic winner, for a dramatic game of football. For me, the perfect ending!

However, the attention soon turned to the screens at Goodison, and a possible call for offside for Mane. To the naked eye, and the red side of Merseyside, it was a clear goal! It’s incredible to me, how VAR has spotted Mane offside but somehow misses Pickford’s challenge on Van Dijk. The VAR controversy continues! As the teams lined up to restart, Oliver was told the news of the disallowed goal. A free kick for Everton was the last action of an enthralling 237th meeting of these two teams! A draw, the final result!

Finally, quickly looking at Liverpool this afternoon! I think overall, red’s fan can be happy with the team’s performance! We showed real intent and intensity that was missing at Villa, and brought that clinical finish when we scored. Of course, losing a player of Van Dijk’s importance affected the team, and that changed the momentum of the game. But I think the on-pitch leadership shown by Henderson and strength at the back from Matip, steadied the ship. Of course, improvements need to be made; we missed several clear cut chances, which we will need to capitalise on, going forward this season! But overall, for me a good run out by Klopp’s men!

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