Posted: Jun 22, 2020 | Updated: 5 months ago
It was a fairly bland affair between the two sides, as the Merseyside derby ended goalless last night.
This draw means that title chasers Liverpool will have to wait a little while longer to claim their first title in 30 years.
Prior to the game, Liverpool required six more points to win the Premier League. Unfortunately, without Mohammed Salah or Andrew Robertson in the team, you could say the Reds lacked ruthlessness going forward; accumulating only three shots on target.
However, it was Everton who created the best chances of the game. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Tom Davies and Richarlison all had an opportunity to grab a goal in the derby. Close but no cigar.
The stalemate has delayed Liverpool’s title claim. Despite being 23 points ahead of rivals Man City, they will be hoping City will drop points against Burnley this Monday evening.
Should City drop points tonight, Liverpool can potentially win the title at Crystal Palace on Wednesday. If Man City are to win their next two games against Burnley and Chelsea, then Liverpool will have the opportunity to claim the title at the Etihad on 2nd July.
Everton have moved up one place, to 12th.
A Quick Rundown
In the behind-closed doors encounter between the rivals, both teams had their fair share of chances. Everton were the closest to grab a goal with Richarlison blasting a shot past the far post, before Takumi Mimamino drove towards the Everton area with a 25 yard drive going wide.
The first half was a quiet affair, neither side making their mark on the game. Matip’s header from an Alexander-Arnold corner was put wide, before a headed effort from Richarlison was flicked over the Liverpool crossbar. However, if that effort went in, it would have been ruled for offside. Nonetheless, it was Everton’s best move of the first half.
In the second half, the visitors started strongly, with efforts from Naby Keita, Firmino and Van Dijk not quite troubling the Everton defence. The lack of ruthlessness from Liverpool was almost punished, when Richarlison fired a shot past Allison’s far post.
It was this chance, that spurred Everton on to attack. Twice, they went close with efforts from Calvert-Lewin; his back-heel effort denied by Allison, followed by an effort from Tom Davies hitting the post. A corner followed suit. A flicked on header by Holgate lead to a diving header by Calvert-Lewin, who’s effort narrowly missed the post.
Stoppage time ensued, Liverpool were awarded a free-kick. Fabinho curled a strike towards goal, making Pickford work to deny his attempt with a leaping save.
Neither team were going to have a strong performance, after being out of action for three months.
However, Liverpool lacked the cutting edge and quality they’ve shown previously in this almost successful campaign. Despite the Reds dominating possession and creating chances throughout the second half, you could say Everton would be disappointed to walk away without the three points.
Everton undoubtedly had the best chances of the game to find a winner late on in the second half. Liverpool now have to wait a little longer to claim their long-awaited title.
Everton however, will feel upbeat with that performance and it can hopefully kick on a strong end to the season.
Reds midfielder Jordan Henderson in despair as they fail to clinch the points against their Meseyside Rivals.
Sports betting has seemingly permeated every aspect of life at this point. We see ads all the time for sports betting, but it really has been a natural part of sports for a long time. Now, it is just more widely accepted with soccer picks. If you haven’t quite joined…
Continue Reading...
Gary Neville is a former professional footballer, football coach, and television pundit. He is best known for his successful career with Manchester United and the England national team. Following his retirement from playing, Neville ventured into football punditry and coaching, adding to his wealth over the years.
Continue Reading...
With the end of season run-in ramping up, the footballing world has hit the speed bump that is the March international break. The March international always draw intense debate upon their necessity, with many fans asking: is it necessary to halt domestic and european action for meaningless friendlies? There is…
Continue Reading...
19 years of hurt, never stopped them dreaming. Next month marks the 20-year anniversary of San Marino’s last victory. Andy Selva curled home a stunning free kick to seal a 1-0 win against Liechtenstein in Serravalle in front of a delirious Sammarinese crowd of 200 on 28th April 2004. FIFA…
Continue Reading...
Following a cinematic weekend of FA Cup action, the country is as gripped as it has ever recently been on the historic competition. But how long will that last with the upcoming TV deal that looks set to change everything?
Continue Reading...
Manchester City have approached Guimaraes representatives over a potential move. The 26-year-old has made a name for himself at St James Park since arriving from Lyon in January 2022. Guimaraes has made 96 appearances for Newcastle United where he has found the back of the net 13 times and has…
Continue Reading...
There were times at Manchester United when supporting the club was a bed of roses. These days it is agony and despair every other week. The mentality of players which existed during the time of Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a nosedive since his departure. Not only the players, but…
Continue Reading...