Premier League champions from Merseyside scooped the Saturday derby in stats but the 3 points went to Everton after the match ended on a scoreline of 2-0. Liverpool struggled at the home with the early strike from the Brazilian Richarlison and penalty goal from Sigurdsson.
Liverpool’s attacking three failed to break the defense of Everton led by England international Jordan Pickford in the goal. There were multiple criticisms to the Champions including mistakes committed by the turbulent backline.
The Reds ace Mohammed Salah took his share from the critic’s party for the unnecessary divings and appeals for a set-piece. According to talkSPORT, Salah was overacting for a breakthrough to return a goal in the derby.
Fans and football pandits acknowledged this and the Egyptian should have played with more maturity with his abilities. Salah is a strong challenger in the one-on-one situation and his solo runs are highly dangerous for the opposition.
A player with such potential wouldn’t be expected to do such a display in the attacking. Liverpool’s front three took 6 shots on target out of 15 in total. Also, they were dominating the position. But that didn’t prevent Everton’s attacking options to find space in the Liverpool box.
Liverpool forward managed to stay out of danger:
Some of the pandits expected a card for the diving of Salah. But the match referee managed to keep the player out of danger with caution.
“I can’t understand that. If he’s claiming a foul and the referee doesn’t think it’s a foul why isn’t he saying ‘well, you’re diving’,” commented former Everton defender Kevin Ratcliffe. A lot of Everton fans also took this to next level to criticize the player.
The early goal in the second minute hit the mindset of the Reds in their counter fight. The injury of Henderson before halftime made the situation worse for them. The front three missed the high balls from the backline as the center-backs tried to release the ball through central midfielders.
Also, the extra wingers from the back Robertson and Alexander-Arnold added more pressure to center-backs which resulted in the two goals. The problems in the backline affected Salah’s usual runs into the box.
And this created desperation in the striker to look for a set-piece. Salah was doing the same in the fixture against Leicester City last week. Liverpool defeated in that match at King Power Stadium on a scoreline of 3-1.
Salah scored against Leicester but he tried to find the back of the net with his theatrics. He flopped to convince the ref in a challenge with Ricardo Pereira in the match. Now, he is taking another shot from the critics.
Liverpool moved to 6th position in the table and the Champions League qualification is under strong challenge in the table. The season is a mess for Jurgen Klopp and the squad is taking up injuries one after another. A finish in the top-four would be satisfying for the Reds and that also isn’t easy in their current situation.
