Liverpool, despite maintaining an unbeaten streak in the Premier League, must have expected a sterner test against their Merseyside rivals this afternoon. In-form Everton exhibited massive upsurge under Marco Silva, and the 232nd derby between these two English giants was not short of thrill, drama and excitement. The Reds struggled to find the net and almost settled for a draw until at the very end a howler from Toffees ‘number 1’ Jordan Pickford led the hosts to grabbing a winner via Divock Origi during the closing moments in the most bizarre manner.
Below are the Everton players rated from their unlucky 1-0 defeat against Liverpool.
Jordan Pickford: 5
Could have been the hero as he denied Xherdan Shaqiri one-on-one in the first half but ended up being the antagonist by making a dreadful error in closing seconds which allowed Divock Origi to score the solitary goal of the game.
Seamus Coleman: 7
A matured display from the right fullback as he concentrated more on defensive duties to contain Sadio Mane and restricted the Reds from playing free-flowing football using the width. Lacked his usual influence going forward with overlapping runs and crosses from the right flank.
Michael Keane: 7.5
A strong, towering defensive display from the Englishman kept the Liverpool attackers under control throughout. Did well while defending set-pieces.
Yerry Mina: 8
All good work done by the Colombian went in vain as his side suffered a heartbreaking defeat despite an inspiring display. Mina was excellent with his great physical and aerial presence, as he also managed to restrict Mohamed Salah from causing any menace in and around the box.
Lucas Digne: 6.5
Made some timely runs forward but struggled defensively at times against Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri. Also could have blocked a few crosses from the left which created confusion inside the box towards the end.
Idrissa Gana Gueye: 7
Made some crucial interceptions, was combative while winning duels and blocked many moves in the middle of the park. His passing, however, was not up to the mark as he misplaced a few against Liverpool’s pressing game.
Andre Gomes: 7.5
Was denied by Alisson and Joe Gomez from extremely close range early in the game and often troubled the hosts with his darting runs and dribbling traits. Got dispossessed a few times but made his presence known in the Everton midfield.
Theo Walcott: 6
Had a few half chances but failed to convert. Made some purposeful runs and crosses from the right flank but lacked enough creativity and eventually got replaced by youngster Ademola Lookman.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 6.5
Did not the see the ball much and was not allowed enough space to trouble the hosts. Yet he made some defence-splitting through balls and also tried the luck from a distance. Was replaced by Kurt Zouma in closing seconds.
Bernard: 6
The Brazilian was not menacing enough down the left but showed some great footwork when the Toffees were dominating the game. Was replaced by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in closing seconds.
Richarlison: 6.5
Did not have many touches but was lively throughout and tried to be in the game while running across the pitch. Won back possession on some occasions and also made some excellent movements in and around the Liverpool box.
Substitutes
Ademola Lookman: 6.5
Looked more of a threat than the worn out Walcott since coming on but ended up losing the game which he could have done little to prevent.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Kurt Zouma: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
