Liverpool shadow of their for former self as they lose 2-0 against Everton

February 20, 2021

Given the focus on the events of October’s derby, and the need to strike back with a performance building on that seen in midweek, it was frustrating to see Liverpool concede within the first three minutes.

It came after a woeful start from Ozan Kabak on a windy Anfield debut, with the Turk having already headed a lost cause out for a corner before seeing the ball played comfortably through as Richarlison surged past him to finish.

Things went from bad to worse on the half-hour mark as Jordan Henderson was forced off with a hamstring injury, with Liverpool’s medical staff taking the strange decision to allow the captain to briefly play on to test, and possibly aggravate, the issue.

Jordan Henderson injured during the merseyside derby

Everton‘s game plan after taking the lead was clear, with foul after foul committed in the middle of the park, and Andre Gomes was arguably fortunate to avoid a second booking before the half-time whistle.

Sadio Mane was the biggest threat, with two headers going close to levelling the score – the first saved, the second over the bar at a stretch – before a stunning tackle from Michael Keane denied him a clear opening.

Then referee Chris Kavanagh contrived to gift Everton a penalty as Calvert-Lewin stumbled into Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Gylfi Sigurdsson stepping up to clinch a first Merseyside derby win in 11 years.

Referee awards a penalty after calvert lewin is fouled by trent alexander arnold

The first time Liverpool have lost four consecutive top-flight home games since 1923, and Everton‘s first win at Anfield since 1999.

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