Liverpool started the match needing just six points to seal the title and knowing that a win against Everton would make the job a lot easier. However, the team showed absolutely no creativity on the field, and there was hardly any penetration in the Everton final third. Pickford was seldom called into the action, which could surprise many considering Liverpool enjoyed most of the possession.
Let us take a look at how the Liverpool players fared in the match against their Merseyside foes.
Alisson Becker- 7
Returned to his position under the sticks. Did not have to do much in this game, but made one decent save towards the end which could have had an impact on the outcome of the match.
James Milner- NA
Had to play at the left-back position since Robertson was not available for this encounter. However, did not last the entire first half as an injury forced him off the pitch. Did not do anything remarkable during this time.
Joël Matip- 7
The defender carried on with his job calmly and with precision. It would worry Klopp that he had to be substituted with an injury midway into the second half.
Virgil van Dijk- 7
The Dutchman looked composed at the heart of the defence and made sure that the Everton forwards did not go past him. Helped by the fact that the opponents preferred to sit back in their half for most of the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold- 5
The break must have taken a toll on his performance as he looked completely rusty. The Englishman’s crosses did not reach the targets, and his deliveries were mostly inaccurate in dead-ball situations.
Fabinho-5
Did not look at his best and was quite scrappy throughout the match. The Brazilian lost possession on several occasions in the midfield and made some rough challenges on the opposition players.
Naby Keïta- 7
The Guinean looked sharp on the field and was involved in a few link-up plays with his teammates. Also tracked back to recover possession for his side whenever there was a turnover.
Jordan Henderson-6
The skipper almost played on the right side of the midfield so that Minamino could move to a more central position. Did his job well as we have seen him do, although did not produce any flashy moments.
Sadio Mané- 7
The Senegalese forward made some spirited runs into the opposition box but was far from his usual self. However, it has to be mentioned that Mane hardly got any support from his teammates as he really missed Robertson today.
Takumi Minamino- 6
The Japanese was given the vital duty of replacing Salah on the right side. Did not lack enthusiasm, but again showed that he would need time to settle in. Was substituted at half time.
Firmino- 5
This performance of Firmino would make Klopp think that the management should not have allowed Werner to join Chelsea so easily. Absolutely not the kind of display that the Brazilian is known for as he failed in creating any serious threat to the Everton defence.
Substitutes
Joe Gomez- 8
The only silver lining for Liverpool amid a very mediocre day at the office. Came on as a replacement of Milner at left-back and did much better than expected. His forward runs were exquisite, and Klopp may have found a replacement left-back for his side for the time being.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- 7
Played the entirety of the second half and compared to his teammates, had a decent outing. Although, did not bear any end result, but made a few forward thrusts.
Georginio Wijnaldum- 5
He was brought in for the creative spark in place of Keita but produced no moments of magic. Instead, it was Keita that had a bigger impact on the game.
Divock Origi- 5
The Belgian has had a tremendous record against Everton, but today was not his day. Made no remarkable contributions for the side.
Dejan Lovren- 4
Showed exactly why Klopp does not make him a part of his plans. Made a mess out of a situation which could have handed Everton a late goal.
