Beto Jarrad Branthwaite Everton
(Credit Imago)
James Humphreys
Wed 2 April 2025 22:53, UK
Everton were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby in a result that pushed Arne Slot’s side closer to the Premier League title.
The visitors looked to impose themselves in the opening exchanges but nearly fell behind through Diogo Jota’s close range effort, had it not been for an important block by Jarrad Branthwaite.
Following the deflection, a 50-50 challenge between James Tarkowski and Alexis Mac Allister saw the Everton defenderlucky to escape a red card for a dangerously high tackle.
After a short VAR review by Paul Tierney, the challenge was deemed to be not serious foul play, with Tarkowski picking up a yellow card.
However, Everton rode their luck as they slowly growing into the game and were a fraction away from taking the lead when Beto tucked his effort beyond the onrushing Caoimhin Kelleher.
Everton’s talisman was unable to hold his run, with VAR correctly intervening to keep the scores level.
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Beto proved to be a constant threat against Liverpool’s high-line, as the 27-year-old’s athleticism and willingness to run in behind gave David Moyes’ side a much needed outlet.
David Moyes was unable to break his derby duck at Anfield – Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Beto dangerous throughout but lacked the quality in front of goal
Just over 10 minutes before the break, the striker was put clean through on goal again following an uncharacteristic error from Virgil van Dijk, as the defender miss judged his clearance.
With the forward bearing down on goal, his right-footed effort struck the post and back into play, with no blue shirts in the area to profit from the rebound, and David Moyes’ side were ultimately punished for Beto’s inability to get those two tight moments right.
Then came by far the best moment of quality in the game, when a lovely flick from Luis Diaz into the path of Jota allowed him to jink inside two defenders, before sending Pickford the wrong way with a low shot into the bottom corner break the deadlock in the 56th minute.
This was enough to see Liverpool beat their local rivals and restore the 12-point gap over title rivals Arsenal with eight games remaining.
Everton
Jordan Pickford was impressive in goal (Credit: Getty Images)
Jarrad Branthwaite and Jordon Pickford impress for Everton
Jordan Pickford – 7
The England international made some important saves throughout and provided a much needed presence from set-pieces.
Jake O’Brien – 5
Had a tough first-half against Diaz but looked more assured in the second 45 minutes.
James Tarkowski – 6
Commanded his box well and led his team well but was lucky to not be sent off for a dangerous tackle on Mac Allister.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 8 – Man of the Match
Put his body on the line throughout making multiple blocks and clearances, showed defensive positioning above his years.
Everton-James-Tarkowski-
Tarkowski escaped a red card for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister (Credit Imago)
James Tarkowski involved in controversial incident
Vitali Mykolenko – 6
Marked Mohamed Salah well enough to stop the winger from getting on the scoresheet but lacked quality going froward.
Idrissa Gueye – 6
Provided much needed energy in the middle of the pitch and screened the Everton defence well in the second half.
James Garner (off for Tim Iroegbunam 78‘) – 5
Struggled to impact the game from an attacking sense but worked hard for Moyes’ men.
Jack Harrison (off for Iliman Ndiaye 69′) – 5
Has struggled in recent weeks and today was no different, as Harrison was substituted with 20 minutes remaining.
Everton
Doucoure’s pass for Beto saw Virgil van Dijk get into a mess (Credit: Imago)
Doucoure unlucky to not get an assist versus Liverpool
Abdoulaye Doucoure (off for Youssef Chermiti 86′) – 7
Was unlucky to not have an assist when he slipped Beto through on goal and worked tirelessly throughout.
Carlos Alcaraz (off for Ashley Young 78′) – 6
Missed a big chance just before half-time when his free header failed to the target, with the scores level at 0-0.
Beto – (off for Armando Broja 79′) – 4
Provided his side with a much needed outlet but failed to make that count. Should have had a brace that won Everton the game, but he couldn’t beat the post and the offside rule.
Substitutes
Armando Broja (on for Beto 79′) – 5
Came on when Liverpool were pushing for a second goal to kill the game and was not involved much in the final exchanges.
Youssef Chermiti (on for Abdoulaye Doucoure 86′) – 5
Did not impact the game in his little time on the pitch.
Tim Iroegbunam (on for James Garner 78′) – 6
Slotted into midfield next to Gueye nicely and was comfortable in possession during his time on the pitch.
Ashley Young (on for Carlos Alcaraz 78′) – 5
The veteran full-back replaced Alvarez with just over 10 minutes remaining in what seemed a strange move by Moyes with his side needing a goal.
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