Everton’s unbeaten Premier League run is over, after losing to Liverpool at Anfield.
David Moyes’ side came up short against the Reds, but again gave a decent account of themselves.
Diogo Jota’s goal was the difference, with the Portuguese striking in the second-half. That came after Everton had squandered a few decent chances in the first-half.
Beto – who fans actually praised for his overall performance against Liverpool – was guilty of missing a one-vs-one opportunity. Carlos Alcaraz also saw a shot blocked in a very dangerous position.
Everton worked very hard in the game but in the end had nothing to show for their efforts unfortunately.
And Micah Richards reckons one player epitomised that hard work, as he praised him on Match of the Day.
Micah Richards praises Everton winger Jack Harrison after defeat to Liverpool
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jack Harrison – who has often been maligned this season – was actually the subject of some praise last night from Micah Richards on Match of the Day.
Richards insisted: “I thought Everton were excellent, especially in that first-half. I think the tactic was to show Liverpool out wide. They had 30 crosses in the game and only found a red shirt four times.
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“Harrison was so pivotal in what Everton were trying to do. You normally see wingers try to stay wide. But you see he’s nice and compact there, making a four at the back when O’Brien was going out. Really good defending, they know exactly what they need to do.
Again look at Harrison’s position here. Normally wingers go on the outside, this time he goes on the inside, protecting. Everyone knows their jobs.
“You know how difficult it’s going to be at Liverpool, you see there they’ve got six at the back. This is perfect defending. Look at Harrison’s position, he stays in the middle of the goal, he’s almost playing like a centre-half! I thought his work for the team was excellent.”
Richards did then note that Harrison might have been better positionally on the Liverpool goal, but mainly blamed a ‘sleeping’ James Garner for allowing the ball to come centrally.
Harrison’s defensive work not in question
What is clear with Harrison is that he will always work hard on the pitch.
When it comes to pressing, running his socks off and helping to keep a good team shape, Harrison is great. This perhaps explains why he was a regular pick for Sean Dyche.
However, where Harrison falls down is in the final third.
To have scored just one goal this season is really poor, and he is often a source of frustration for fans as he is prone to wasting promising attacks.
We saw that last night, with Gary Neville saying Harrison showed ‘poor’ quality when he messed up a promising breakaway early in the second-half.