Everton 2-0 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Liverpool Crash Out of the Title Race | OneFootball

Everton 2 – 0 Liverpool: How Did Jurgen Klopp’s Players Perform?

This midweek encounter came after the reds finally recorded a domestic win, as they soundly overcame Fulham by a 1-3 scoreline. Everton were the controversial 2-0 victors of Nottingham Forest at the weekend; therefore, this historic Merseyside derby was always going to be in the Goodison Park balance.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below for this visit across Stanley Park, where only a win would keep Liverpool’s Premier League hopes alive.

Alisson Becker – 6.0

The giant Brazilian was always going to be critical in the opening stages, with his team so comfortable in conceding the first goal this season. As the game began, the former Roma stopper got lucky not to concede a penalty as the game was called back for an offside. A very good save was made soon thereafter, as Everton began to barrel balls into the box. The opening goal was an unfortunate moment where the reds could not clear their lines and the ball eventually crept into the away goal.

After the break, the 31-year-old stopper was once again left unprotected, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin powered a header into the net.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 3.0

The England superstar was the influential ingredient which got the reds rolling at Craven Cottage on Sunday, which meant his inclusion was once again vital to success. As the game began, the former academy graduate was keen to progress play as the game started with a frenzy. Unfortunately, the counter attacks and urgency in transition by Everton exploited the forward-thinking fullback.

Photo: IMAGO

As the second period commenced, the 25-year-old was caught out more and more, without the ability to impact further up the pitch.

Subbed – 83 mins

Andy Robertson – 3.0

The Scotland international skipper started with his usual gusto, as the environment very much suited his fiery temperament. The work in the first half was mainly about covering the defensive line as the Toffees poured forwards. The fullback was unable to dominate the advancing blues who were targeting wide areas, which left him exposed at times, especially for the first goal.

After the break, the former Hull fullback was once again unsure and became part of a defence in disarray.

Subbed – 83 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 2.0

The France international defender came back into the starting lineup, after is rotation and rest at the weekend. From the outset, the former RB Leipzig hitter was rattled and moved about the pitch by a powerful Calvert-Lewin. The first goal of a combination of team errors that left everyone looking poor.

After the half time interval, the 6ft 4inch enforcer was again unable to contain or overcome before leaving the field.

Subbed – 62 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 4.0

The captain and leader of this team started with an authority to keep his back line tight. As the first half progressed, the former Celtic man was more and more animated, with his teammates failing in their defensive duties. The opening goal was a mess and it did not get much better.

After the restart, the 6ft 4inch defender was again vocal of disillusioned as the second goal found the net against a team worthy of their lead, something that was never going to be turned around.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 3.0

The Hungarian skipper was ushered back into the starting eleven, with his initial endeavours showing a man desperate to make a positive impact, though failing to do so in an underwhelming first half.

Photo: IMAGO

As the second half began, the former RB Leipzig star was again lacking and did not last long before being replaced.

Subbed – 62 mins

Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0

The Argentina World Cup winner was brought back into the side to offer control within an expected possession landslide. From the first whistle, the former Brighton man was surrounded and limited in his ability to dictate play. The deeper role did not suit him and he was unable to stop a powerful opposition on the counter.

In the second half, the brilliant midfielder was finally moved forward, with the scores at that point at 0-2. Only then was the playmaker able to make more of an impression.

Curtis Jones – 3.0

The future England international came back into the fold, as he continued his return to full fitness. The opening stages of this game was a flurry of turnover and hard work by the hosts, which at times seemed to subdue the midfield man. As the frenetic game restarted, the academy graduate was eventually hauled off.

Subbed – 62 mins

Luis Díaz – 6.0

The Colombian flyer retainer his starting role and the opening gambit was very much about trying to get him on the ball, as the only offensive player able to break away. His running and penetration were clear, though his partners were often on a different page.

As the second half resumed, the former Porto man was again the best attacking player in red and his brilliant strike thundered onto the bar at 0-2, which was the highlight of Liverpool’s half.

Darwin Núñez – 3.0

Once the news of Diogo Jota’s latest injury hit the pre match press conference, the Uruguayan raging bull was always likely to come back into the side. From the opening bell, the former Benfica striker was lively if ineffective. His running and endeavour were solid, but the tactical and technical side too often lacking. After the half time team talk, the 6ft 2inch hitman was still unable to make an impression, as the game slipped away from the away side.

Mohamed Salah – 2.0

The legendary Egyptian skipper was recalled to the starting eleven, after a period of poor form. In the opening stages of this game, the former Roma wide man was shackled and again unable to make a substantial first half contribution.

Photo: IMAGO

Upon resumption of the second half, the record-breaking scorer was a little more involved, yet the ball would neither stick or run for the out of form talisman.

Subs;

Harvey Elliott – 5.0 (on 62)

Came on to offer a different dynamic and a brilliant long-range effort.

Wataru Endō – 5.0 (on 62)

Came on to offer a shield to the beleaguered defence.

Jarell Quansah – 5.0 (on 62)

Came on to offer some defensive resilience.

Joe Gomez – 4.0 (on 83)

Came on to offer something.

Kostas Tsimikas – 4.0 (on 83)

Came on.

The Manager;

Jürgen Klopp – 3.0

The German manager went with the side best suited and most physically able to compete for this Merseyside Derby, or so he thought.

The opening exchanges and gameplay of the away side was a show of how to be overpowered in midfield. The first goal was always coming, as the blues bullied their way around the pitch.

After the break and with a scoreline sat at 0-1, the former Borussia Dortmund head coach was able to see a better energy, however, the second goal by Everton once again pointed to the lack of physicality that has grown within this tired group.

The first set of substitutes was a sign of more strength being needed, yet the game was slipping away at that point.

Pre-match Prediction;

Everton 1 – 2 Liverpool

Steven Smith