Liverpool and Everton duelled out a lively Merseyside derby on a night where tempers flared and goals were scored.
The prospect of a Friday night FA Cup Third Round derby was an enticing one to say the least, and the game delivered incident if not outstanding quality.
Almost as recompense for the penalty decision in the league not too long ago in this fixture, referee Bobby Madley blew up as Mason Holgate somewhat tentatively glanced Adam Lallana. The Blues, feeling scorned, watched as James Milner tucked home the first goal of the match from the spot.
The mayhem kicked in on around the 40th minute, as Mason Holgate pushed Roberto Firmino over the advertising hoardings, prompting a furious reaction from the Brazilian. What was uttered will surely remain the subject of much scrutiny over the week ahead.
Liverpool had chances to extend their lead in the second half, Lallana and debutante Virgil van Dijk coming closest, but the Reds’ were held to their one goal advantage.
From a Liverpool corner, an unlikely break down the left hand side from Ademola Lookman set Phil Jagielka up on the edge of the penalty area, who slid the ball into the path of Gylfi Sigurðsson, who calmly found the bottom corner – Karius, rooted.
With the tie seemingly spiralling into a replay, the star of the night Van Dijk got his head on a ripping corner, Jordan Pickford stranded in no man’s land.
As the final whistle rang out, Liverpool toasted their third successive 2-1 win, and their 17th match unbeaten.
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