EVERTON VS LIVERPOOL

EVERTON F. C. VS LIVERPOOL F. C ANALYSIS (12th February 2025)

Start - 19:30 GMT Time

Total Game Time - 101'

No. of Yellow Cards - 8 (4 EVERTON / 4 LIVERPOOL)

No. of Red Cards - 2 (1 EVERTON / 1 LIVERPOOL)

Substitutions - 9 (4 EVERTON / 5 LIVERPOOL)

MOTM - Mohamed Salah

Final Result - 2-2 (Beto 11', Mac Allister 16', Salah 73', Tarkowski 98') 

The final, fierce clash between two captivating rivals at Goodison Park, bound to be a game in the history books, here is who they started before the game:

That's what you call a rivalry. Passion, goals and brawls. On the whole, both teams played moderately good. Liverpool were not at their best to tell the truth, Everton on the other hand played extremely well, they managed a total of 10 shots opposed to Liverpool's 6 shots, that says a lot. To begin on performances, I will have to mention Everton's captain Tarkowski. In my opinion he is Everton's man of the match all day every day. The Englishman showed great defensive determinaton and making crucial blocks. Also, you can't avoid talking about his 98th minute volley, straight top bins to salvage his team a point, absolute scenes! Although he could've done better during the Mac Allister header, he still played great, fair play from the captain! Up top, Beto done his part, scoring a cheeky goal in the 12th minute and overall displaying his offensive skills. I can say the same for Braithwaite, who assisted that cheeky goal, also being an influential figure in defense that game. The goal in the 67th minute that was fairly chalked off also to mention, not a bad finish for a defender! Subbed on in the 77th minute, Iroegbunam made a great impact as well, assisting Tarkowski's last minute volley and attempting a wild shot in the 94th minute after a link up with Beto, flying over the bar. I have got to give Mykolenko some credit as well, he fought until the end and was responsible for that ball in for the equaliser. Ndiaye, unfortunately he was taken off early for Harrison but in those 25 minutes he was on, he won the foul to get Everton 1-0 up. Quite controversial however because in my opinion there was minimal contact. Other than the Ukranian man Mykolenko and English man Tarkowski, Everton's defense and midfield did require a bit of improvement. O'Brien didn't do his best, both were unintentional and not really his fault but had a big impact, his offside position in Braithwaite's goal and his block off Jones' shot which fell to Salah for him to hit home. Very unfortunate to both happen in the same half but we can't really blame him. Pickford, only faced 6 shots the whole game, 4 on target and conceded 2. The second goal wasn't really his fault but he definitely could've done better for the whole game. Also to mention, Doucoure, although he made some significant plays in that game, he was very poor throughout the game, picking up a yellow card and then a second one after full time after taunting the fans, unlucky for a player of his quality. Moving onto Liverpool, I have to say, Salah was monumental. A goal and an assist for the Egyptian King, nobody can stop him! He made runs, won fouls and again, made another impact for a game. Mac Allister was another player to watch, his header was at an awkward angle for him yet he put it in the net somehow and also made good offensive and defensive plays. Made critical blocks as well. Gravenberch, again, solid in his midfield role. Very good physically as well. Taken off by Arne Slot rather cynically however. Diaz had his moments, nearly scoring but being denied by Tarkowski. His clean style of play and pace put the defense off at times. Konate, very crucial for Liverpool's defense that game, he kept his head up and kept composed when against Beto. Bradley was another man in defense who didn't do as good but did his job. Throughout the game he was solid and aggressive but came too aggressive, picking up a yellow and getting subbed off. Jones, for his time on played really well, his shot was the base of Salah's goal. His offensive plays were impactful however he picked up a yellow and got a second yellow after picking up a fight with Doucoure. Van Dijk did have a rough start but eventually, as he usually does, he adapted to the pressure and improved his composure as the game went on as Liverpool's captain. Overall, Liverpool's defense in the second half were a lot better, they conceded one but right at the end. One performance I am really disappointed about is Gakpo, he loves to score on days like these, but he failed to show up. He couldn't display his ability that game and failed to create an overall impact. As a team, Everton were quality. They linked up really well, having good chemistry. They were all able to have attempts at goal, but there was waste of really good opportunities. Liverpool on the other hand played moderately, there were some good performances in red but as a team they couldn't capitilize on opportunities, make a super dangerous threat to the defenders and picked up 2 red cards after the game. Although they were really clinical in front of goal. On the 2nd of April, 983 metres away.

(Right hand-side Liverpool, Left hand-side Everton)

In conclusion, this game gives a huge advantage to Everton in the table, putting them at 27 points, now 11 points out of the relegation zone. Which also they can overtake Man United who are 14th with 29 points, if Everton win their game against Crystal Palace. Mid-table could be Everton's target for the end of the season as they can move up to 14th. On Liverpool's hand, this game puts them 7 points clear, it sounds good but it easily could've been 9 points. This game is their 6th draw of the season and next game, Liverpool won't have Slot, so it could be a struggle. Although they are pretty safe from Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, they must remain composed and cautious. Everton - 27 points, Liverpool - 57 points

Another eventful game between the two Merseyside rivals, quite a depressing one for Goodison however. But the whole of the Premier League can agree, it was a beautiful way to sign off. Next analysis LIVERPOOL F.C VS WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS F.C