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Liverpool 1-0 Everton: Five things we learned – Minamino will get stuck in

By Russell Hughes

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Takumi Minamino of Liverpool runs with the ball during the FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 05, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Takumi Minamino of Liverpool runs with the ball during the FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 05, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool 1-0 Everton Neco Williams
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: James Milner of Liverpool leaves the pitch with an injury during the FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 05, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

We need a Christmas break

One of the only fit, senior players on the side and the most indestructible. So we thought. Milner limped out of the contest after just 10 minutes as the muscle injuries continue to pile up during the Christmas and New Year period of fixtures. Newcastle United had four in 12 minutes on New Year’s Day and it’s clear this needs to be addressed by the FA as we move forward.

Repeat blows like this aren’t good for anyone and they devalue this competition by forcing managers to play weakened teams or sides packed with youth prospects because they can’t risk the repeated strain on their players.

To their credit, Ancelotti packed Everton with loads of first team players and the fact they lost is a huge embarrassment to them. But until there is enough time for people to recover in between games this competition will only go one way.

A Christmas break needs to be introduced. We all love how jammed the schedule is at this time of year, but fans and watchers are going to have to take it on the chin and accept that less might be more.

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