In one of the strangest and most inconsequential Merseyside Derbies in recent memory, Liverpool arrived at Goodison Park with a patchwork side due to injuries and with an eye on Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Man City. The result made for a muted match that ended in a 0-0 draw.
Liverpool had enough chances to get a win but failed to finish when it counted most. Blame it on the surface. Blame it on the circumstances. Regardless, the Reds struggled to break through their cross city rivals. Jurgen Klopp made the moves to try and win it but the time and teamwork required ran out.
There was no lack of effort but the personnel and playing conditions meant that Liverpool’s vaunted attack was unable to find the appropriate rhythm or synchronization required to get the result against an Everton side that offered very little more than graft at Goodison.
A grinding quality from both sides was always likely. At times, the match looked more like a training session for the Reds. Most obvious, Everton generally lacked quality and Liverpool lacked their usual lustre.
Yet, glimpses of full-blooded tackles and needle occasionally reared up despite the referee forgetting his cards in his locker.
Here are four findings from the match.
