Lovren continues to baffle, Big Sam knows how to stifle: 5 talking points from Liverpool vs Everton
It was a classic smash and grab in last evening’s Merseyside derby, as Everton managed to snatch a point from Liverpool at Anfield. Despite thoroughly dominating the game, Liverpool failed to add to their one-goal lead, scored by Mohamed Salah, and let Everton back in the game.
Wayne Rooney, who had never scored in a Merseyside derby, managed to tuck away the penalty and give his side a point, which many would say was undeserved. The home fans were incensed at the full-time whistle, because of their team’s inability to pick up a win and take advantage of the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal dropping points.
The derby wasn’t the most heated of games, something it’s known for. But it did have plenty of talking points.
#5 Liverpool’s squad depth
About this time last year, Liverpool had a drop in form after losing a few key players. While Sadio Mane left for the AFCON in January, Philippe Coutinho was injured for a while and the Reds simply couldn’t buy a win to stay in the race for the title.
Now, however, things have sort of changed. Going into the derby, Jürgen Klopp decided not give Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum a breather, which not many would have predicted before the lineups were out.
Dominic Solanke didn’t have the worst of games, and Oxlade-Chamberlain was impressive in patches, so Liverpool at least have a squad that’ll prevent panic stations, if say, one of Coutinho, Mane or Salah gets injured.