EPL 2016/17: Everton 0-1 Liverpool – 5 Talking Points

Jurgen Klopp celebrates the derby win with his team

Liverpool snatched a late 1-0 win over Everton in a fiercely contested Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on 19 December 2016. The match looked set to be heading towards a goalless stalemate before Sadio Mane scored the winner in injury-time.

The result helps Liverpool leapfrog Manchester City to move to second in the Premier League table, while their city rivals now run the risk of slipping down to the lower half of league table with just 2 points separating them from Watford in 12th place.

We take a look at the talking points of the game:

#1 Strong start by hosts but unable to find the back of the net

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Ragnar Klavan of Liverpool beats Romelu Lukaku of Everton to the ball during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on December 19, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) — Despite dominating the first half, Everton failed to find the back of the net

Having won just one out of the past 19 derbies, Everton started the match very strongly. They dominated the play with a very high-intensity game and didn’t allow the Liverpool players any time on the ball.

27 - It took Liverpool 27 minutes to have their first touch of the ball in Everton's box during this game. Timid. #EVELIV
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 19, 2016

However, the Everton attack failed to capitalise in the period of domination and a lack of creativity in the final third plus some solid defending by Liverpool denied the hosts the chance to go ahead in the game.

At this rate, you wonder when @Everton 's batteries are going to run out. Intensity amazingly high and have to score now. #EFCvLFC
— Triki (@trikilimper) December 19, 2016