Liverpool defeated local rivals Everton 3-1 in the Merseyside Derby to further cement their Champions League spot. Liverpool took the lead through Sadio Mane on the 8th-minute. But Everton leveled up on the 28th-minute thanks to Pennington. But then goals from Coutinho and Origi sealed a 3-1 victory for Klopp’s side.
34 Million worth of Talent:
Liverpool capped a fine performance last night to slump Ronald Koeman’s Everton side. And at the heart of it all was the prolific Sadio Mane. Mane once again showed his importance towards the team as he put it a fine performance scoring Liverpool’s first goal on the 8th-minute. He made a wonderful solo run towards Everton’s box and after getting past a couple of defenders he beat the goalkeeper with a low shot towards the far post. He did suffer a knee injury later on in the match but Klopp is hopeful that the issue was not serious and Mane would be back in action.
Coutinho is back:
Phillippe Coutinho returned from a serious injury in January. And since then he somehow never got back his old form. Until this match. In the derby though we say the Coutinho of old. A player who made superb runs, created ingenious passes, and tormented defenders. In simple words, he created havoc. Coutinho also scored a half time goal to make the evening even more sweeter. This is the type of performance that the fans were waiting for so long. And if this is anything to go by, then we can safely say that the old Coutinho is back.
Everton put in a bad shift:
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku went absolutely missing in the match. He did not have even one shot on target. It is a performance that Lukaku would like to forget as soon as possible. Ross Barkley also looked all over the place throughout the match. He made a series of misplaced passes. He made a series of rash tackles and was lucky not still be on the pitch. Any other day and he would have received his marching orders.
Entering the business end of the season:
Liverpool have now entered the business end of the season. And it looks as if things are finally falling in the right place for Jurgen Klopp. Coutinho and Mane have found their peak forms just about at the right time. And also their arch rivals Manchester United lost two crucial points against West Brom at home. With this win Liverpool have moved up to third place above Manchester City.
