Everton conceded a 100th-minute goal to lose the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
There were a number of solid performances across the pitch for Everton, who probably deserved a point at the very least.
The Toffees seemed to lose momentum when Jarrad Branthwaite was stretchered off with a hamstring injury late on.
Who was your Man of the Match from that Merseyside Derby loss? 😬
There were some solid displays out there despite the result… 💪
Everton v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Liverpool ultimately capitalised by scoring from a set-piece through Virgil van Dijk, so it was a very frustrating end to the derby.
Despite a generally encouraging performance from the home side, there was one Everton player who really let the team down.
Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Everton’s Vitalii Mykolenko lost the ball 18 times vs Liverpool
Vitalii Mykolenko has been error-prone all season for Everton, and it’s clear that he’s one of the main weak points in the team.
As such, the Toffees are exploring a number of left-back targets ahead of the summer transfer window, including Middlesbrough’s Matt Targett.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Those plans will only accelerate after the Merseyside derby, as Mykolenko was so sloppy in possession of the ball.
In fact, according to Sofascore, the Ukraine international gave the ball away a staggering 18 times against Liverpool.
What could Moyes have done differently to avoid that late goal? 🫣
David Moyes, Manager of Everton, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
The 26-year-old also failed to complete one dribble, and none of his three crosses were accurate, evincing how limited he is going forward.
Mykolenko, who only has one year left on his contract, should be sold in the summer to make way for a better left-back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is being linked to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, so the Arsenal defender would certainly be a significant upgrade.
Adam Aznou should be getting more of a look-in next term as well.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox