In what ultimately descended into a dreary derby display, Liverpool drew with Everton (0-0) at Goodison Park. The Reds opened with a frenetic, pacey opening half, pressing early and looking to take the game to the Toffees. However, as the match wore on, it settled into a much slower, sloppier affair with Liverpool missing the opportunity to gain three points and close the gap on the top four. Everton played like the away side and packed into their defensive end, looking to counter but rarely threatening.
Here are four findings from yesterday’s match.
Pivotal pace and pressing – The first half showed Liverpool pressing without the ball purposefully, forcing the home side onto their back foot. It proved particularly important to further suffocate Everton’s anemic attack and win the ball in attacking positions. Despite the chances created from the defensive pressing, Liverpool could not find the early finish required to open the match up to the Reds’ advantage. As the match progressed the pressing ebbed, as did Liverpool’s attacking edge. Even the pressure Liverpool applied when in possession slowed to ill effect with more laboured build-up and too many passes to the back leg on the break. It all highlighted how critical Liverpool’s pace and pressing are to securing results and preserving their current run of form.
Introducing Ibe – The recall of Jordan Ibe is looking like a shrewd move. In only his second appearance with the first team, he was easily the most dangerous player of the first half, nearly scoring a far post tap-in before his impressive strike from distance fizzed off the far post. Replacing Lazar Markovic and playing essentially a wing back role, he was composed defensively and caused Everton problems going forward. His speed and touch were on full display, but his physical strength and courage shone even brighter in a match that could easily have overwhelmed a 19 year-old. Combined with Emre Can Liverpool had a decided advantage down the right side all night.
Can’s utility – Emre Can continues proving to be the strongest summer signing of them all. Since securing a starting spot in the current back three, the young German has blossomed, turning in multiple man of the match performances. Today was no different. His physical strength made him the obvious foil for Everton’s Romelu Lukaku defensively, neutralising the striker almost completely. Yet, Can shone even more impressive with his cool composure on the ball and providing players a release. Add his remarkable versatility, be it supporting the attack, filling gaps in possession, or marauding forward in and around the box, Can has risen to one of the first names on the team sheet. In a match that featured a number of slightly off performances from teammates, he appeared even more impressive.
Losing Lucas – Given the fact that Lucas Leiva’s re-entry to the side in holding role significantly impacted the Reds’ revitalisation, watching him leave the pitch so early was not a good sign for the match or the team. Any lengthy injury to the Brazilian defensive shield could be costly. Leaving after 15 minutes clearly impacted the tactics and approach in this match. Unfortunately, Joe Allen simply is not a like-for-like replacement, neither in his skill-set or current form. Plus, Gerrard no longer seems an adequate replacement in the same role. While Jordan Henderson grew into the game with greater responsibility for providing cover and recycling possession, his resurgent play excelled when partnered with Lucas.
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