The Merseyside derby this evening was a must-win for both Liverpool and Everton. While the Reds are chasing silverware, the Toffees have dropped into the relegation zone following Burnley’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. But the visitors were ultra-defensive whereas their time-wasting antics, as well as theatrics, depicted their lack of intent and grit. Amid growing tension at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s juggernaut delivered once again. Andrew Robertson and Divock Origi fired in the second half to grab three massive points in front of the Kop.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their 2-0 win against Everton.
Alisson Becker: 7.5
Hardly had any trouble except for a few routine saves between the sticks. The clean sheet makes him the frontrunner for the Golden Glove.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6.5
Struggled defensively against the pace and flair of Anthony Gordon. Lacked the impact high up the pitch in spite of his overlapping runs and crosses from the right-hand flank.
Joel Matip: 7.5
Maintained his composure in the heart of the backline. Had some duels with Gordon, but he stood tall every time banking on his experience and game-reading attributes.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
Kept Richarlison under control with ease. Played it out from the back with his great passing range and vision. Was quick to make recoveries to prevent counter-attacks.
Andrew Robertson: 9
Broke the deadlock minutes over the hour-mark by converting Salah’s cross with a thumping header. Made a massive block to deny Alex Iwobi from close range late in the match.
Fabinho: 7
Dominated the midfield game with his movements and challenges. Carried the ball from the deep and often linked up high up the pitch. Struggled to find the decisive final ball in a congested Everton box.
Thiago Alcantara: 7
Another commanding display from the Spaniard whose close control, swift one-twos and link-up football helped Liverpool control the show in the middle of the park.
Naby Keita: 6.5
Made some box-to-box runs, tried to find his teammates in the attacking third but was running out of ideas before making way for Divock Origi.
Mohamed Salah: 7.5
Tried his best to cause menace with cut insides and layoffs. Although he was closely marked by a number of Toffees defenders, Robertson’s header came off his exquisite cross after a little one-two with Origi inside the box.
Diogo Jota: 6.5
Worked hard across the frontline, and also made some promising runs inside the box. However, the Portuguese failed to find the target and was eventually replaced by Jordan Henderson late in the game.
Sadio Mane: 6.5
The in-form Senegalese was well-contained by the Toffees’ defence. Lost his cool towards the end of the first half and was taken off in favour of Luis Diaz around the hour mark.
Liverpool Substitutes Vs Everton
Luis Diaz: 7.5
Another scintillating display from the Colombian who set it up for Origi with a bicycle kick. His exquisite skillset earned a lot of applause from the Anfield faithful.
Divock Origi: 7.5
Another Merseyside derby and another goal from the Belgian. Also played his part in the build-up of Robertson’s goal.
Jordan Henderson: 7
His cross from the right eventually led to Origi’s late header.
