Everton, a galvanised force under Carlo Ancelotti, had the best possible opportunity to defeat the depleted Liverpool at Anfield for the first time since September 1999. They had a perfect start too when Richarlison found the net in the 3rd minute and the Reds, shambolic once again, surrendered late in the game when Gylfi Sigurðsson doubled the lead from the spot to add more misery to the champions’ disastrous run of form.
Below are the Everton players rated in their historic 2-0 win against Liverpool.
Jordan Pickford: 8
Had a controversial occasion at Goodison Park early into the campaign. The empty Anfield helped him settle in and pull off a number of stunning saves to retain a clean sheet in this epic contest.
Seamus Coleman: 7.5
Came close to doubling the lead soon after Jordan Henderson’s exit. But his header from point-blank was denied by Alisson Becker. Did well defensively to protect the goal and succeeded in achieving his objectives in the end.
Mason Holgate: 8.5
Won most of the duels against Sadio Mane as the Senegalese failed to deliver once again from the wide areas. Made some crucial interceptions and clearances with ease in response to the Reds’ predictability.
Michael Keane: 8
Controlled the shape from the centre of the defensive line. Maintained his composure and dealt with the crosses with headed clearances all throughout the outing.
Ben Godfrey: 7
Never let Mo Salah or Trent Alexander-Arnold dominate the game from the right-hand flank. Made a number of key recoveries and maintained the discipline when the Reds were chasing for an equaliser.
Lucas Digne: 7.5
Known for his overlapping runs and crosses, but the Frenchman was confined to defensive duties and managed to contain Salah from causing menace with his runs and cut insides.
Abdoulaye Doucoure: 6.5
Looked a bit nervy initially as he struggled to keep the ball on his feet and often got dispossessed far too easily. Settled in well and delivered a resolute display as the game progressed to its decisive moments.
Andre Gomes: 6
Was rusty with his challenges and received a booking for the same. Was on the verge of a marching order and Ancelotti decided to take him off to make way for Sigurdsson around the hour mark.
Tom Davies: 7.5
Screened the ‘back five’ expertly as he showed high work ethics which proved to be more effective and significant than the technical aspect of his game.
James Rodriguez: 7
Set it up for Richarlison to break the deadlock in the early minutes. Was mostly isolated otherwise and was eventually taken off to be replaced by Dominic Calvert-Lewin around the hour mark.
Richarlison: 8
Did his job perfectly minutes into this fixture as he picked up Rodriguez’s through ball and found the net beating Alisson. Was a constant threat with his pace and physicality until making way for Alex Iwobi in the closing minutes of the match.
Everton Substitutes vs Liverpool:
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 7
Converted from the spot to ensure all three points in a historic Merseyside derby.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 7
Earned the spot-kick against Trent Alexander-Arnold which, however, looked a bit controversial once again.
Alex Iwobi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
