Liverpool Match Recap: Merseyside Derby Edition

WOW! That was a fantastic Merseyside derby to watch! Liverpool win 3-1 and silence Lukaku and Everton’s hope. Here is the match recap and hot-takes, stay tuned for player ratings!

Prematch

• The atmosphere before the match at Anfield felt electric. Everyone is pumped for the derby.
• Milner is wearing the captain’s arm-band in the absence of Jordan Henderson.
• A moment of applause for Ronnie Moran, with huge Bugsy signs in the stands; a lot of goose bumps at Anfield.

First Half

Everton kick off and press down the field, with an early duel by Milner that gives Liverpool their first possession of the match.

Both sides are passing feverously, testing each other to see what they can get away with; there is a huge amount of passion on both sides.

Then, Can is fouled by Barkley! I can’t believe there wasn’t a freaking yellow card for that!

In minute 8, SADIO MANE!!!! Slides one through, into the back of the net!

In the minute 15, Firmino had a chance with a short cross and no one was there, Liverpool need to keep pace and press up the pitch.

Early on, Lovren is showing his strength over Lukaku, not allowing him any space or a chance to put touches on the ball.

In minute 17, Lukaku is offsides but if onside he had an easy header that would have ended up in the back of the net. Come on defense, where are you?!

In minute 19, a wonderful chance for Coutinho with a beautiful curling shot on target. Liverpool should look to exploit that more and more as the match goes on.

Everton with there first set piece in front of the Kop. It leads to a header into the stands.

Free kick off a poor decision by Can, again showing his inexperience and youth. Hopefully, he recovers from this decision. You can’t pull that crap and get away with it.

EVERTON GOAL: Matthew Pennington gets very lucky to slide one past Mignolt. Horrible, simply horrible.

Coutinho responds by exploiting the Everton defense. He sends a curling shot into the back of the net, giving Liverpool a 2-1 lead. Fantastic. Simply magical. LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL!

Williams with a cheap shot on Can. A shove and a kick in the back of Can, raking it across his back, complete trash.

Then, Barkley takes a late challenge and smashes Lovren. Lovren was going for a clean tackle and Barkley is in the book. Yellow Card, second the of match!

Everton are sitting back more than expected and letting Liverpool take possession, hoping to score on a counter with Lukaku. It seems a lot like the Hull, Burnley strategy of the lower sides.