Finally, the Reds joined the Premier League’s return. The first match of their procession to their first title in 30 years began with a trip across Stanley Park. Liverpool and Everton traded industry but came up short on ingenuity to break the deadlock.
In a fresh new lineup that saw the likes of Mo Salah, Gini Wijnaldum and Joe Gomez begin on the bench and with Andrew Robertson missing entirely, the Reds resurged regardless. Takumi Minamino, Naby Keita, Joel Matip, and James Milner started to not only spell usual starters struggling for fitness but also as a reward for training.
Despite playing at Goodison, Liverpool dominated the ball for the majority of play while Everton remained compact and looked to counter. A combination of lack of sharpness and successful solidity kept either side from carving the other open.
For all the possession, the Reds pushed to penetrate with little success, rarely testing Jordan Pickford. Liverpool could not produce an incisive moment or even a mad lash to impose their quality advantage and take all three points.
Given the circumstances, an uninspired affair should have been anticipated. Most of the matches so far have looked more like preseason friendlies as sides search for form after three months away from any action.
Here are four findings from the match.
