By: Shane Brennan.
Liverpool welcomed a struggling Everton side to Anfield for the, Merseyside derby The Reds knew that victory over their neighbours would see them go just one point behind table-topping Manchester City.
Everton defended in a low block with everyone behind the ball, therefore, Liverpool found it very hard to create any real opportunities in what was a frustrating first-half, though they did come close through a lovely turn and swivel shot by Sadio Mane, but sadly, the ball was always rising over the crossbar.
Everton launched the ball as far forward as possible as often as they were afforded the opportunity, and when Jordan Pickford found Everton’s player of the match Anthony Gordon, The Toffees thought they were in business as he wandered into the penalty area, which resulted in Naby Keita brushing up against him. Thankfully, referee Stuart Attwell saw the incident as an exaggerated dive and booked the Everton star for his efforts.
Everton were not to let their heads go down, as Richarlison played in Abdoulaye Doucoure, clean through on goal with only Alisson Becker to beat. Fortunately on this occasion, he could only drag his shot wide as The Reds knew they were in a game.
Liverpool kept trying to unlock a resolute Everton defence and the harder they tried to force things the more ambitious the attempts got, as Keita let fly from distance, but the attempt was well wide of Pickford’s right hand post.
The Toffies were to threaten to open the scoring once again when Alex Iwobi played in Gordon, as he raced through on goal Anfield held its collective breathe, as it could have been a pivotal moment in the title race, his shot was to go agonisingly wide of the right hand post as Liverpool survived.
Jürgen Klopp knew if his side were to get all three points, something had to change and fast, so on came Luis Diaz and supersub Divock Origi.
The impact was instant as Mohamed Salah found Origi, he played the ball straight back to the Egyptian and he picked out a pinpoint ball to Andy Robertson who headed the ball past Pickford as Anfield erupted with joy and mass relief.
Liverpool had plenty of corners throughout the course of the match, and they nearly made one pay from the second phase of the set piece when the ball came out to Trent Alexander-Arnold who found Joel Matip as he got a fine header away, but it was Mason Holgate to the rescue for Everton, as he made the clearance with an excellent header of his own as The Toffees clung on for dear life.
Everton were to come ever so close to an equaliser, when Demarai Gray let fly from distance, much to Liverpool’s relief, the rip roaring shot was to narrowly miss the target.
Everton’s brave fight was to come to an end when substitute Jordan Henderson’s cross found Diaz who set the ball up nicely for Origi to head home, and in turn send The Kop into a state of joyous celebration as the job was done.
Up next for Liverpool is the visit of Villarreal CFfor The Champions League Semi-final clash on Wednesday evening.
