PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 2-0 EVERTON

Liverpool saw off Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield to move to within a single point of Manchester City. A hard fought derby was level at the break, but second half goals from Robertson and Origi sealed the three points for the Reds. Here are player ratings from the match.

Alisson – 7

Not troubled much. Only remember that Richarlison shot late on. Easy save. Took a leaf out of Pickford’s book by going down slowly to waste a few seconds. That got a huge cheer from the Kop.

Alexander-Arnold – 6.5

Wasn’t at his best creatively first half. Lost the ball one too many times. Was given a few problems by Gordon and got booked for taking him out on the counter second half. Found his passing range second half and created decent openings for Matip and Origi.

Matip – 6

Some moments he defended very well one on one, when they broke on the counter. Other moments he was too easily knocked around by Richarlison and even Gordon. Was lucky to not give away a penalty after tangling with Gordon in the box second half. They targeted his side all game.

Van Dijk – 7

One moment of miscommunication with Alisson almost saw Richarlison steal a ball away from the keeper. Wasn’t troubled much.

Robertson – 8.5

First half I felt he wasn’t doing enough going forward. Too many times he went backwards instead of forward. One time he actually attacked Coleman and sent in a decent cross which Jota directed wide. He got the all important first goal in the second half with a powerful header. Crucial clearance ahead of Iwobi.

Fabinho – 6

Too easily bypassed today. Once Gordon or Richarlison cut inside Trent, Fabinho didn’t do enough on the cover. He kept the ball ticking over in midfield but could have been more incisive with his passing. He’s capable but seems to just pass the buck to Thiago these days.

Keita – 6

Didn’t affect the game enough. Set Mané and Salah up for shots in the first half but that was pretty much it. Gordon breezed past him on the counter second half.

Thiago – 8

Not afforded the time and space United allowed him to have on Tuesday as Doucoure marked him closely. He lost the ball once and it saw the Frenchman go close to opening the scoring. To his credit, Thiago still went on to dictate play and kick-start several attacking moves. Played some wonderful passes out wide to Salah.

Salah – 7.5

Well marshalled by Mykolenko. Kept running at him though and finally found joy when his cross was headed home by Robbo for the opening goal. Was a threat throughout even if he didn’t get many sights of goal. Sprinted back to defend Gordon on one occasion. Worked so hard.

Mané – 6.5

Started through the middle and was starved of possession as Everton defended deep. He had to drop very deep to get on the ball. Did well to get away from Allan and unleash a curling effort that went just over. He switched to the left flank and his influence waned.

Jota – 6

Felt he wasn’t at the races today. His touch let him down a few times and he couldn’t really get involved. Clashed with Coleman first half. The change in system helped him find more space second half. Put in a shift.

Substitutes

Diaz – 8

Produced an outrageous piece of control to bring down a Trent diagonal. Ran at Coleman constantly and pushed him all the way back. Saw one shot deflected over and one cross scrambled away. Caused all kinds of mayhem when he came on. His spectacular overhead kick fell perfectly for Origi to make it 2-0.

Origi – 8

Divock came on and straightaway was involved in the buildup to Robbo’s goal. He linked up well with Salah before the Egyptian’s cross found the left back. Pounced on Diaz’s cross-shot like the predator he is to head past the helpless Pickford. Almost a throwback to THAT goal. Legend.

Henderson – 7.5

Came on and stepped up the intensity levels up. It was his cross that found Diaz at the backpost for the overhead kick attempt. He had his knee taken out by Richarlison but somehow that only merited a yellow.

Jürgen Klopp

The gaffer made two changes to the side that took apart United last time out. Naby Keita came into midfield ahead of the skipper, whilst Diogo Jota started in attack with Luis Diaz dropping to the bench. It was pretty much as strong as possible, with the manager not letting upcoming fixtures dictate his selection.

His team got dragged down to Everton’s level first half as they lost focus and got involved in shoving matches. He retuned them second half and made an early change that swinged the game in his side’s favour. Bringing on Diaz and Origi for Keita and Mané led to a 4-2-3-1 setup.

This overwhelmed the Everton defence and both players were involved in the two goals. Not the first time this season the manager has changed the game from the bench.