Matchday nine began for the Reds, with the season’s first Merseyside derby of the year. Everton travelled the short distance to Anfield, where the team below awaited the fiery blues.
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Alisson Becker – 7.0
An early-headed chance from Calvert-Lewin required reliable handling, as Everton showed a desire to take the game to their neighbourhood rivals from the start. Was a relative spectator for much of the second half, as his side dominated the ten-man toffees. Did his work well.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0
Started the game with vigour and a desire to get on the ball. Was smart with the ball through a cagey first half and shot just over the bar (moments after the red card), with a venomous half-volley from a distance. The second period was about patience and finding the correct delivery.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0
The energetic Greek tore up and down the line as a good outlet and reliable defensive piece in a lively first half. Was a constant threat from set plays and whenever the opportunity to deliver presented itself. Continued to offer good width in the second period as space was dominated. A poor second-half delivery was his last contribution.
Subbed – 61 mins
Ibrahima Konaté – 6.0
Resumed his starting role as expected and enjoyed the physical moments to show his prowess in a bustling first half. Was lucky not to receive a second yellow card, before his manager took away the risk by removing the giant Frenchman from play.
Subbed – 65 mins
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
Was caught a little flat footed in the opening minutes, as Calvert-Lewin rose above the Liverpool skipper to plant a close-range header into the arms of the red’s keeper. Was tasked with running a two-man back line in the second half, once the first substitutes were introduced.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0
The Hungarian skipper seemed to be playing within himself slightly, as the tentative start by the home side soon ramped up with the visitors dropping to ten men. A couple of sighters threatened to put his side ahead in the first half, as he increased his potency late in the half. Was a constant mover of the ball that proved and gave final third support throughout.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0
Enjoyed a less dramatic start to this game, until the 34th minute when he unleashed a stinging shot from distance. He was very diligent in his second-half responsibilities as his recycling role was much needed in a possession-heavy period of play.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0
The young Dutchman was the starting choice as Curtis Jones undertook game two of this ongoing three match suspension. Was in and out of the game as he enjoyed a simple and efficient first half. Was withdrawn after having a good shot blocked in a steady performance.
Subbed – 61 mins
Luis Díaz – 6.0
The Colombian flyer terrorised Ashley Young into an early bath, as his constant threat brought about an early dismissal (two yellow cards) in the 36th minute. Was surrounded through a congested second period as space was very limited.
Subbed – 80 mins
Diogo Jota – 6.0
The Portuguese striker started ahead of Darwin, given the Uruguay forward’s international escapades this past week. Was a constant threat in the first half, especially when running at the central defensive pair.
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
The Egyptian King was unlucky not to connect with a difficult chance early on and was then surrounded for most of the two-man first half. Could not make anything work in a frustrating game, until the 74th minute, when he dispatched brilliantly from the penalty spot. The breakaway goal was tremendous.
Man of the match (due to the goals)
Subs:
Harvey Elliott – 7.0 (on 61)
A steady intensity in a tense moment. Good moving of the ball and always an option. A late chance to score a brilliant goal was marginally tipped over.
Darwin Núñez – 7.0 (on 65)
The impact player that brought something different against a deep block. Very direct late on and caused issues in full flight. Superb assist.
Joel Matip – 6.0 (on 65)
Keen and committed.
Joe Gomez – 5.0 (on 80)
Much needed after the gamble proved right.
The Manager:
Jürgen Klopp – 8.0
To the managed credit, he started with an attacking lineup which was able to prod and expose the away teams’ weaknesses. With Ashley Young a target from the opening bell, it left the home side to bide their time and ramp up the pressure against their weakened opponents.
His second-half substitutes were ultra-offensive and clearly designed to get that all-important first goal. The gamble laid off as the constant overload brought a penalty, which was ferociously dispatched by Mohamed Salah. On either side of the goal, he was altered to replace a caution risk Ibou, before later bringing in Joe Gomez to add additional defensive support.
Liverpool fans show their support to Palestine. pic.twitter.com/yjBflqqjFu
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 21, 2023
Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 3 – 1 Everton
