Liverpool took another step closer towards Champions League qualification for next season with a comprehensive win at home Everton in the Merseyside Derby.
Some Evertonians may have seen this as the perfect opportunity to see their side record their first Premier League win at Anfield since September 1999 as they had only lost once in the league since Liverpool’s late win at Goodison back in December.
With injuries to skipper Jordan Henderson and midfield workhorse Adam Lallana, coupled with the inclusion of suspect centre-back Dejan Lovren, Ronald Koeman must have seen this as the perfect opportunity for his side to capitalise on the Reds’ weaknesses.
However, the Blues themselves were left lining up with a very depleted side. Matthew Pennington was ushered into the side in the wake of Seamus Coleman’s season-ending injury whilst Mason Holgate and Tom Davies were two young products to feature in a midfield four. Dominic Calvert-Lewin also made a rare appearance in the front three.
On the pitch, the home side made a swift start. Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a low finish but this was shortly cancelled out by Matthew Pennington’s equaliser. It was the youngster’s first appearance in a Merseyside Derby and it wasn’t a bad way to mark it.
However, Everton’s lead lasted a mere three minutes before Man of the Match contender Philippe Coutinho produced one of his finest strikes and Divock Origi put the icing on the cake with a finish that left keeper Joel Robles embarrassed.
I had a few worries over the Reds team but there were many players who proved my wrong.
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