Liverpool title celebration delayed by Everton

Liverpool FC and Everton FC played a goalless draw on Sunday evening during the Merseyside derby at the Goodison Park.

 

The stalemate means Liverpool will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on the title that has eluded them for 30 years.

Liverpool went into the game needing six more points to clinch their first Premier League title for a long time but were blunt in front of goal with the absences of Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, mustering only three shots on target the entire game.

Everton, however, had the best chances of the game late in the day, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Tom Davies, and Richarlison all going close in a matter of minutes. They would regret not converting, which means they only settle for a point.

Liverpool is currently 23 points ahead on the log and could still win the title against Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday evening if Pep Guardiola’s side drop points against Burnley as Monday Night Football returns.

Related: Premier League Game Week 30 Saturday Round-Up

Alisson Becker – A world of difference

The Liverpool goalkeeper made a vital block to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s close-range flick late in the game to ensure that his teams return to football did not end in a derby defeat.

Liverpool’s boss, Jurgen Klopp, after the game praised the efforts of the “world-class” keeper and said they must not take him for granted.

Alisson also saved well from Brazilian compatriot Richarlison as a largely tame game, with the surreal atmosphere of a derby played behind closed doors, sprang to life.

Liverpool looked rusty after 106 days without football

Liverpool would have hoped to set up a potential title win at Anfield on Wednesday with a victory at the Goodison Park – but after 106 days out of action, it was perhaps understandable that a side that has overpowered so many were short of their best.

They were also without their deadly goal-machine, Mo Salah, who was only fit enough for the bench, and inspiring left-back, Andy Robertson, was still out injured.

A couple of players still didn’t look their best. Naby Keita, however, looked energetic until he came off but boss Jurgen Klopp now has further concerns over James Milner, who sustained a hamstring injury, and Joel Matip, who also limped off.

The only Liverpool player who looked in form was the star of the show, Alisson, who was turned in a superb performance when called upon in those crucial late moments.

Facts and Stats from the game

• Everton are the only Premier League side to remain unbeaten on home soil in 2020 across all competitions (P5 W2 D3 L0).
• Seven of the last eight Premier League Merseyside derbies played at Goodison Park have ended level. Indeed, Everton versus Liverpool has finished goalless on more occasions than any other Premier League fixture (11, includes Anfield meetings).
• Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has managed more games against Everton in all competitions without defeat than against any other opponent in his managerial career (P11 W7 D4).
• Liverpool’s James Milner made his 535th Premier League appearance in this game, the joint-fifth highest total in the competition’s history, alongside Gary Speed.
• The average age of Everton’s starting XI here was 24 years 356 days – the Toffees’ youngest starting line-up for a league match against Liverpool since February 1986 (24 years 250 days), when they won 2-0 at Anfield.