Liverpool’s quest for the Premier League glory suffered a severe setback with a defeat at Everton’s Goodison Park
Entering the Merseyside derby fresh from a weekend victory that reignited their title aspirations, Liverpool must have hoped to replicate Arsenal’s success against Chelsea in their own derby clash.
However, their optimism was dashed as they faltered against a resurgent Everton side, determined to secure crucial points in their battle against relegation and assert local supremacy.
In the 28th minute, a sequence of defensive errors culminated in Jarrad Branthwaite capitalizing on a loose ball to gift Everton the lead. Ibrahima Konate’s failure to clear allowed Branthwaite to poke the ball past Alisson Becker into the net.
Before the hour mark, another defensive lapse from Liverpool granted Dominic Calvert-Lewin a free header to double Everton’s advantage.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk appeared visibly frustrated throughout the match, earning a booking for his complaints.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville observed Van Dijk struggling to maintain his composure under the pressure of the occasion and the opposition’s threat.
What were Gary Neville’s comments regarding Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk?
“Van Dijk complains again, but l am surprised by his naivety,” Neville said on Sky Sports News. “He is already complaining – which means they are in his head.”
The pressure of the moment appeared to affect many Liverpool players, evident in Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister receiving late bookings for disputing decisions with the referee.
Realistically, Liverpool’s hopes of clinching the title this season seem to have vanished. It would be quite unexpected for them to surpass both Arsenal and Manchester City at this point.
That being said, ‘What is he doing?’ Jamie Carragher singles out the performance of £35m Liverpool star Vs Everton