Twelve months ago I was in the Upper Gwladys Street partaking in a good dose of limbs as James Tarkowski scored the last goal in the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. Today, in the 248th derby, the Hill Dickinson Stadium took over the mantle for Evertonians as we moved into our new future on the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey.
It had been a long time since this match had any bearing for both teams when it comes to Europe. In 2008/2009, both teams had strong campaigns where Liverpool challenged for the title and Everton qualified for Europe, finishing fifth. With only seven games to go, this match was for hometown pride but there was even more on the line.
David Moyes named an unchanged Everton side from the team that drew 2-2 at Brentford last weekend.
Arne Slot made four changes from their defeat to PSG with Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo all coming in.
The team had been met by another impressive show of support and blue flares as they arrived at the stadium. The atmosphere was electric as a new tifo declaring that “We Built This City” dropped from the Hill Dickinson rafters. The Evertonians were in full voice as Garner kicked off. Liverpool tried to get on the front foot but the Blues were quick to get the ball back.
Pickford was using the long ball with little success early on. The first big chance fell to the Blues as Garner delivered a lovely ball which was met by Beto. It took a stunning save from Mamardashvili to deny the opening goal. A quick counter attack by Liverpool was well defended. Beto was then driving forward but he slipped at the last moment.
Liverpool were trying to slow down the play. Liverpool’s first corner saw Beto get his head on the ball twice. The first big talking point saw Dewsbury-Hall get in behind Curtis Jones and when the midfielder went down the referee ignored it as did VAR.
Everton were playing so well but the finishing was not there. Beto was in on the Liverpool goal but his shot ended up nearly hitting the corner flag. McNeil was then cutting inside but his shot was blocked. Liverpool were struggling to get out. Again they tried to slow the game down. Their first shot from Gakpo needed a block from Tarkowski.
A yellow card was given to Pickford for dissent after van Dijk avoided a card for a challenge from behind on Gana. It was getting heated and when Szoboszlai pushed down Ndiaye, the handbags were out. The free kick saw Tarkowski get his head on the ball but it looped into the hands of the Liverpool goalie.
A long throw from O’Brien was well defended but when it was recycled back to Pickford, a smart play by O’Brien saw him deliver a cross that was well controlled by Ndiaye and slotted into the Liverpool goal. VAR looked at it and it was overturned as offside.
Before the shock had worn off, Liverpool had been given the ball by the Everton back line. Gakpo drove a beautiful pass that split the Everton defense and was met by Mo Salah who slotted the ball past Pickford to break the tie. A stunning turnaround!
Everton looked to respond quickly but Ndiaye slipped at the last moment. Everton took their turn to slow the game down as they patiently passed the ball around before KDH forced another corner on which the Blues could not capitalise.
It was Liverpool’s turn to hold onto the ball. Cody Gakpo cut inside and forced a good save from Pickford who tipped it over the bar. Liverpool were managing the game as they were hoping to get into half time with the lead as two minutes of additional time was announced. Isaak got the ball in a dangerous position for the first time but his shot was easily handled by Pickford. Everton got one last half chance before the whistle was blown by Chris Kavanagh.
The second half kicked off with no changes for either side. Liverpool were immediately on the ball and were slowing things down with possession football. Everton’s first chance fell to Ndiaye who attempted to cross the ball to Beto but it was overhit. Everton continued to push forward with patience. A mixup at the back saw Branthwaite make a fine tackle on Isaak to prevent an opportunity.
The match came back to life as Mykolenko sent KDH on his way who drove down the left wing and swung a lovely cross into the six yard box. Beto and van Dijk both went for it but the Portuguese forward got his foot on the ball and turned it into the net. The keeper stayed down and was withdrawn with a knee injury. Freddie Woodman was required to finish the match. He had not started a match in more than a year.
Liverpool looked to get the lead back but Gakpo’s shot was poor. McNeil then took a pop at net but it was wide. Tarkowski then saved a goal by clearing a header from Gakpo off the line. The game opened up as Everton were pushing for a second. Some lovely holdup play by Beto got the Evertonians on their feet.
Pickford then put a long ball to Ndiaye who forced a save from Woodman. The game was enthralling as the action went end to end. Robertson drove forward and when it opened up for him he drove the ball just wide of the far post.
Mykolenko delivered three balls in succession but the Reds thwarted each attempt. Everton were pushing to get the lead as Beto and Konate clattered with heads which ended up with Beto coming off with Barry taking his place. Isaak was also withdrawn with Engemoa coming on.
KDH was then down in the box but he had gone down easily and the penalty was waved away. Salah drove forward and Engamoah got the ball, his shot was nicely blocked. Everton went back down the field and Barry was too late to stick the cross from McNeil into the net.
McNeil was withdrawn for Tyrique George. He immediately was in the open out wide but his cross was overhit. It was all getting a bit frantic as the final ten minutes arrived. Gravenbach had a chance from the edge of the box but his shot was wild. Wirtz and Gakpo were withdrawn with McAllister and Frimpong coming on. Branthwaite slid off the edge of the pitch and ended up in tears as he appeared to have injured his hamstring again. During the delay, Kerkez was brought on for Robertson.