After a crushing week getting knocked out of the Champions League and losing in the final of the Carabao Cup, Liverpool returned to Premier League action after a long international break.
There is nothing like sinking your teeth into a feisty Merseyside derby to get back into the swing of things and that’s exactly what Arne Slot’s men did.
Liverpool came to life in the second half and wrestled control of the game, helped by an energetic Diogo Jota as they ran out 1-0 winners.
Here are five things we learnt from a spirited derby:
1) Liverpool’ energy levels rise second half
Maybe because Everton had a few openings on the counter or the fact many of Liverpool’s players were leggy from an international break, but Liverpool’s energy definitley increased in the second half.
When it felt like the crowd cheered on every tackle, duel or header, the players reacted.
As Everton responded by flying into tackles themselves and pressing higher, Liverpool started to exploit the gaps in Everton’s midfield in the second half.
This Liverpool team is most comfortable when controlling games with their attack before unleashing their forwards by piling men forward and we saw this time and again after the break.
Everton barely registered a shot and were second best, leaving them to defend more Liverpool attacks.
2) Everton’s first half counter-attacks
Regardless of how good Liverpool have been in the league this season, it isn’t always the most straight forward task negotiating a Merseyside derby particularly with how Everton have been rejuvenated under David Moyes.
Beto in particular was a thorn in Liverpool’s sides as he kept trying to latch on to long ball after long ball.
But for better decision-making by Jack Harrison where Liverpool were clearly outnumbered in a counter-attack and Liverpool might’ve found themselves one down.
Everton retreated deeper in the second half, but Liverpool did well to not get beaten by some of their awkward counter-attacks.
3) Brilliant Luis Diaz
The way Luis Diaz plays means he is effective without scoring.
Gary Neville on commentary called him ‘busy’ but not only does he create space for others, he drags defenders around so well.
He didn’t care one bit about Everton’s hostile physicalness, he gave it back.
He’s been a crucial player in maximising Mohamed Salah and making Liverpool’s attack purr this season.
There is still much to decide in the summer in terms of how Liverpool add to their squad and rebuild their attack, but Diaz’s performances time and again this season have proved he is a vital cog in Liverpool’s strike force.
4) Shocking James Tarkowski Tackle
In a very high tackle from James Tarkowski, it’s shocking that the Everton defender was not sent off early into the game.
Tarkowski himself knew the severity of the tackle as he shook hands with Mac Allister at the end of the game to make sure the Argentinian was ok.
If the result was a draw, we would be probing into the tackle more, but it’s very surprising he wasn’t sent off such was the recklessness of the tackle.
It could be a possibility that because of the fixture, the referee let it go and in normal circumstances it probably was a red card.
5) Huge step towards the title
It shouldn’t be lost on the humongous achievement from Liverpool in making the title race ‘boring’ and losing just one game after 30.
Arne Slot has been emotionless and calm throughout the season and it’s paid dividends as Liverpool have controlled games like the one vs Everton often with ease.
Before the international break, Liverpool were out of two competitions within five days and there’s been some murmurs in the media of possible outgoings.
A huge step was taken vs Everton to seal a win and inch ever so closer to an inevitable 20th Premier League title.
With a 12 point lead over Arsenal restored at the top of the table, Liverpool are in a commanding position and it’s a matter of when they’ll win the title and not if.
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