The swatting aside of Watford does not diminish the fact that Liverpool have played two derbies on consecutive Sundays.
The Merseyside variety arrived with the Reds in need of a win to ensure that they retained their one-point lead and top spot in the Premier League.
Liverpool left with another 0-0 draw at Goodison Park, but this one was more bitter than most. Now they stare up from second, one point below defending champions Manchester City.
The first half was flinty without any genuine sparks. There was just one yellow card, to Everton’s Theo Walcott, although the Toffees may have gotten away with a couple other well-timed, break-killing fouls. Despite a decent start, the hosts looked like they were playing just to hang on.
Meanwhile, the Reds grew into the game, progressively tightening their grip. Mohamed Salah nearly opened the scoring but was denied by some excellent goalkeeping by Jordan Pickford. The goalkeeper who had his worst game in December’s Anfield fixture held his nerve and stymied the Egyptian in the best chance of the match.
In the second half, Liverpool stuttered as the game ground into a sloppy scrap that favoured the home side. The Reds’ precision faltered in all phases going forward. A defensive clean sheet, the fifth in a row, proved the only real positive in a frustrating match.
Liverpool had chances but could not capitalise as the ruthlessness they showed against Watford receded.
Here are four findings from the match.
