Liverpool 1 - 0 Everton: 5 hits and flops | Premier League 2018-19
Liverpool took on Everton in Merseyside derby 232 in the English league. Everton had been on a good run of form and were expected to provide a tough challenge to Liverpool. However, Liverpool have not lost to Everton at Anfield since 1999, and were favourites for this game as well.
Everton began well, and were unlucky not to be ahead as Yerry Mina missed a sitter from a free kick. Liverpool too had many good chances as Sadio Mane slashed over with just the goalkeeper to beat, and Xherdan Shaqiri smashed straight at the goalkeeper with the goal wide open.
The best chance of the first half fell in the way of Everton Midfielder Andre Gomes whose effort on goal was saved heroically by first Alisson and then by a goal line clearance from Joe Gomez.
The second half was a bit tight as both sides failed to create clear cut opportunities. Divock Origi who was brought on in place of Roberto Firmino struck the post in the final few minutes.
However, in an unbelievable finish, Liverpool scraped a 1-0 win courtesy of a poor clearance from England’s #1, Jordan Pickford, who failed to deal with a high ball, and the resultant chance was headed in goal by Origi. The win ensured that Liverpool stay within touching distance of league leaders Manchester City.
Hits
#1 Bernard
The diminutive Brazilian was a constant threat down the left flank for Everton, especially in the first half. It was one of the finest games in a blue shirt for Bernard who made plenty of clever runs and created openings for his team mates.
In a game where all the focus was on his compatriot Richarlison, Bernard emerged as a bigger threat for Liverpool's defence. It was his ball from the left which created the golden chance for The Toffees that was scuffed off the goal line by Joe Gomez.
Bernard ensured that the likes of Trent-Alexander Arnold and Joe Gomez had a tough time on the right side of Liverpool's defence. However, as the game wore on Bernard looked a little tired and was subbed off in the dying minutes in favour of Calvert-Lewin.