The 228th edition of the Merseyside derby saw Liverpool emerge victorious against eternal rivals Everton with a 3-1 scoreline. It was all in all a comfortable three points for the Reds and the win propelled them to within 9 points of league leaders Chelsea. Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the hosts while debutant Matthew Pennington levelled the matters for the Toffees. Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi scored the other goals and secured all three points for Jürgen Klopp’s side. Here are the Liverpool player ratings from their emphatic win over Everton.
Simon Mignolet (6.5/10): A quiet night for the Belgian as he had just two noticeable incidents in the 90 minutes. His defence let him down in Everton’s goal from a corner but he brilliantly saved a deflected shot in the second half from Mason Holgate.
Nathaniel Clyne (6.5/10): A usual outing for Liverpool’s Mr. Consistent. He offered his usual attacking output and was always available at the back to stop the Toffees from using the width in their attacks from his flank.
Joel Matip (6.5/10): Matip did not have much to do defensively but handled the threat of Everton’s limited attacks well. The Cameroonian must improve on his leadership abilities in sorting out the backline for his side during set pieces.
Dejan Lovren (7/10): He remained at fault for the goal conceded but improved as the game went on. Lovren made some crucial tackles and handled the physical threat of Romelu Lukaku brilliantly. Was lucky to come unscathed from a terrible challenge by Ross Barkley.
James Milner (7/10): The veteran delivered yet another decent performance at left back. He was present in almost every attack from his wing as he did not have much to do defensively in the absence of Seamus Coleman.
Lucas Leiva (6.5/10): The Brazilian was essential in Liverpool’s dominance in the middle of the park against Everton. He won crucial interceptions and started many of the Reds’ attack from the minute go. Lucas’ performance tonight displayed his importance to this Liverpool squad.
Emre Can (6.5/10): Can started the game well and was effective when going forward. He faded as the game went on and received an unnecessary booking for a lunge on Idrissa Gueye.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7/10): The Dutchman is slowly building his reputation as the Reds’ most underrated player in the current squad. Wijnaldum pressed incessantly against the Toffees and was smart in his distribution of the ball.
Philippe Coutinho (8.5/10): He was back to his best and scored his first Anfield goal since November 6th. It was a much-needed performance from the Brazilian as he was struggling for form before the international break. He also assisted the third goal while playing a crucial off the ball movement move for Liverpool’s opener.
Sadio Mane (8/10): His second half injury must be a huge concern for Jürgen Klopp as his solo goal in the first half reiterated his importance in this Liverpool side. Mane has developed a knack for scoring in big games this season as he scored yet again when his team needed him the most.
Roberto Firmino (8/10): His impact was more off the ball than on it. Firmino dragged the defence with his movement and also mustered a stunning one-two with Sadio Mane which led to the first goal. His work rate was again on point for the Reds.
Substitutions
Divock Origi (7/10): The young Belgian scored yet again in a Merseyside derby as he got on the scoresheet just two minutes after his arrival. His pace troubled the Everton back line during his entire cameo.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.5/10): A good outing for the youngster as he was given a surprise forward role by Klopp replacing Coutinho. He had a well-taken lob saved by Joel Robles which would have made his debut in a derby memorable.
Ragnar Klavan (N/A)
