Everton 0 - 1 Liverpool [L]

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Everton take on Liverpool in the first-ever Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium today. It’s a clash of huge significance in the race for Europe with Everton slipping down to 10th in the Premier League table after other results this weekend. 

Regent Road is packed to the walls with Blues welcoming the team coach in a blaze of blue flares amidst the wonderful spring sunshine on this hugely auspicious day for Everton and the Hill Dickinson Stadium. 

Everton are without Jack Grealish but Charly Alcaraz finally returns to the bench after his myster injury,  while Liverpool say they are missing at least half-a-dozen first-team players.

David Moyes sticks with the same team that drew 2-2 at fellow European-chasers Brentford last weekend.

First Half

Everton kicked off with Dewsbury-Hall's up and under conceding possession straight away. Most of the early play was down the Everton left, with the Blues getting the first free-kick Garner's delivery headed out meekly by Tarkowski. 

Some great work from Beto got the crowd going, Ndiaye trying to benefit, but Garner crossing in, and Beto a great header, saved well by Marmite. Beto was played in well by McNeil but slipped as he tried to pivot his giant frame. 

Liverpool got the first corner, headed away very well at the near post by Beto. Gaan had his feet swept away from under him by Gravenberch but no yellow... no surprise.

A brilliant ball forward to Dewsbury-Hall saw the Everton player shoved to the ground by Roberston -- no penalty... no surprise. 

At least when Gana went down rather easily, a free-kick was given, Dewsbury-Hall, firing in a great delivery but Marm passed it behind for a corner only the offical flagged for offside and 

Beto got away from Konate and had just to get it on target but his effort was utterly abysmal. What an absolute joke he can be! McNeil was next to wiggle through but the sting was taken out of his shot, and Liverpool came forward to win another corner. It was a good delivery, but Pickford watched it all the way. 

Everton were standing off a little in midfield, Gakpo given space to unleash a shot that Tarkowski had to defelct behind for another Liverpool corner, Pickford palming it behind. From the other side Branthwaite masterfully headed it clear. 

A poor foul by Van Dijk from behind taking out Gana caused great anger, especially to Pickford, who was stupidly booked for his troubles -- no surprise.

More fruity Red Shite tackles drew ire when Szoboszlai went after Garner. The free-kick was reworked and McNeil curled in a good cross for Tarkowski. who was pushed as he headed it.. but no fould... no surprise. 

It was worked around again after a throw-in, O'Brien advancing and crossing, the ball falling to Iliman Ndiaye who smashed it into the Liverpool net. But four Everton players had not got back onside early in the move and it was ruled out... no surprise. 

It had really been all Everton p to this point but after a terrible pass backwards by McNeil, Gakpo's pass sliced open the Everton defence that had been playing well, Salah all alone to fire past Pickford... You guessed it: no surprise.  

The nasty pushes and shoves continued from the hated locals, with no sanction offered from Kavanagh. Everton got forward again but Ndiaye lost the ball far too easily. 

Mykolenko's cross was put behind for their first corner, Garner's decent delivery headed clear. But it was worked back in and Beto contested the ball, Roberston going down as a coming together, and of course a free-kick to Liverpool... no surprise. 

Ndiaye was sandbagged by three reds but their attack was repelled until Gakpo got forward and tried to curl one under the bar, tipped over by Pickford. The corner was cleared and Everton tried to advance again but just weren't getting it together,  the goal having knocked the stuffing out of them.

With 2 minutes of added time, it looked like Everton would need to seriously regroup if they were going to lift a glove to the visitors, with Isak free to fire a low shot at Pickford. Szoboszlai was next to have a pop, deflected high and into Pickford's arms.

At the other end, McNeil couldn't sort his feet out for a snapshot that bobbled wide to end a hugely anti-climactic half after 28 minutes of excellent football from Everton had seen them dominate the early going, but with no reward. For long-time derby sufferers... no surprise there.

Everton:   Pickford [Y:15'], O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gana, Garner, McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.

Subs: Travers, Patterson, Keane, Barry, George, Dibling, Alcaraz, Röhl, Iroegbunam.

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

Subs: Woodman, Pecsi, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ngumoha.

 

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