Premier League
Liverpool Held By Everton At Goodison Park
Liverpool missed the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League after being held by Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park.
In a frantic derby, which had plenty of endeavour if not quality, Liverpool struggled to create clear cut chances and were frustrated by Everton’s defence.
Liverpool’s best chance fell midway through the first half when Mo Salah was bearing down on goal. However, his shot was well saved by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford.
Everton could have won it late on. A cross into the box from Richarlison almost picked out Bernard inside the box who was waiting to slide the ball into the net.
The result means Liverpool are now one point behind league leaders Manchester City with nine games to go.
Most worrying for Jurgen Klopp’s side is they have now drawn four of their last five Premier League games.
They also have failed to score in three out of their last four games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Everton remain in 10th and still haven’t won a Merseyside derby since 2010.
Salah Misses Big Chance
It was a typically frantic start to a Merseyside Derby with neither side able to string a few passes together.
Both sides were struggling to create any clear cut chances. However, after 28 minutes Liverpool should have been ahead.
Everton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin gave the ball away to Sadio Mane. The Senegalese winger then played a brilliant through pass to Mo Salah.
The Egyptian was in on goal with only Everton keeper Jordan Pickford to beat but the English keeper stood tall and parried the ball away.
After 33 minutes, Everton had failed to get a single shot on goal and were lacking quality in the final third.
Also, the Toffees looked like they were panicking every time they got the ball and were struggling to keep possession.
Just like last week against Manchester United, Liverpool were struggling to break down Everton. Their passing was too slow and too predictable.
Liverpool Frustrated
Everton’s first real chance came after 52 minutes. A corner swung in by Theo Walcott found the head of Dominic Calvert-Lewin but his header lacked power and was easily saved by Alisson in the Liverpool goal.
Four minutes later, Mo Salah drove forward inside the penalty box but just as he was about to shoot, Everton defender Michael Keane put a great block to deny him.
Liverpool were pressing for a crucial goal in the title race.
On 69 minutes, a long ball into the box by Andrew Robertson was flicked across goal by Virgil van Dijk.
The ball found its way through to Fabinho but the Brazilian took too long and allowed Everton defender Lucas Digne to get back and clear the ball away.
Three minutes later, Everton came within inches of taking the lead. A great ball into the box by substitute Richarlison almost picked out Bernard for a tap in, but the Brazilian was unable to get any contact onto the ball.
Neither side was able to get a breakthrough, in what could be a costly two points dropped for Liverpool.
Liverpool Not Playing Like Champions
This was a frustrating afternoon for Liverpool. Just like last week against Manchester United, their front three misfired once again.
Jurgen Klopp will be concerned as they now haven’t scored in three of their last four games in all competitions.
At one stage this season, Liverpool were 10 points ahead of Manchester City. Now they are a point behind with nine games to go.
The reds have now drawn four of their last six Premier League games.
Their title rivals Manchester City haven’t played well over the last couple of games. But they are grinding out wins, even when they are not playing well.
That is the hallmark of champions. When Liverpool don’t play well, they have struggled to turn draws into wins over the last month or so.
At the moment, they aren’t playing like champions and the pressure looks like it is starting to get to them.
Of course, Liverpool are still in with a chance to become champions of England for the first time since 1990. They have a decent run in with games against Tottenham and Chelsea both at Anfield.
Also, six of those remaining fixtures are against sides in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
They also know that Manchester City have to travel to Old Trafford and face a rejuvenated Manchester United.
However, on current form City are now the favorites to retain their Premier League crown.
Good Point For Everton
Everton boss Marco Silva will be delighted with the spirit and determination of his side.
They were roared on by a ferocious Goodison Park crowd and defended extremely well.
Up front Dominic Calvert-Lewin ran himself into the ground. The one disappointment is they lacked quality up front to create and take their chances.
On occasions, they looked panicky when in possession and struggled in midfield to get a hold of the game.
Overall Marco Silva will be happy with the performance and knows there are areas that his side can improve upon.
One of those areas will surely be to sign a proven goalscorer in the summer.
Also, the Portuguese manager will look to get some pace in midfield and wingers who can cause defenders problems.
If he can do that, Everton have the potential to challenge and cause the top six teams in the league some problems.
Next up, Everton will face Newcastle away next Saturday.
For Liverpool, they face Burnley at Anfield on Sunday lunchtime.
Photo credit to Liverpool via Twitter
