Liverpool played to a barren draw against Everton, a game Jurgen Klopp believes the hosts should have won. In their usual possessive football, the Reds dominated the proceedings for the most part of the game but were unable to find a breakthrough.
And when Tom Davies hit the post in the dying minutes of the game, Liverpool manager thought they were just lucky to have left Goodison Park with a point. But more than just being lucky, the blunt attacking line, and little creativity by the forwards should have the German tactician worried.
Liverpool’s forward line comprises Salah, Firminho, and Sadio Mane, which has been the most consistent in Europe, creating as many chances, and scoring even more. This season alone, the trio has a combined 49 goals among them, telling much how their combination has been a nightmare for most defenses.
And so when the Egyptians sat out in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, the Liverpool faithful might have been little worried because they still had Mane and Firmino on the pitch. The Egypt international sat out due to a hip problem, and his absence was massively felt.
They’ve won the Premier League title
Liverpool’s bid to clinch their first premier league title in 30 years is inevitable. It’s a matter of when and not if. Manchester City hammered Burnley on Monday night to delay their title celebrations, but even that can’t still deny them the trophy.
Klopp was particularly contented with a point on the road but will have to rethink his strategy and squad depth as the season comes to an end. The uninspiring display against Everton was just a continuation of their stuttering performance before the coronavirus pandemic threw everything into disarray.
Before the unanimous decision to stop football activities, Liverpool was on a downtrend, winning only two of their six games. Their unbeaten run was brought to a screeching halt by Watford, a terrifying evening at the Vicarage Road.
On that day, just like in their loss against Chelsea, they looked dull and out of place, with their forward line struggling to create any meaningful chances.
An Organized Everton exposed their overdependence on Salah
Carlo Ancelotti set up his charges more defensively, only hitting Liverpool on counter-attacks. And while the Reds missed the Egyptian forward, the discipline and organization in the Everton squad throughout the match can’t be underscored. They kept to the script and frustrated the champions-elect the whole evening.
It’s no wonder then that the Reds mustered only three shots on target, their second-fewest the whole season.
Sadio Mane, as he’s always been, was a thorn in the flesh of Everton defenders. But even his speed and skills would not break up a resilient Everton defense. Naby Keita showed some flashes of brilliance from the midfield, sneaking in some well time passes. However, even those couldn’t go past the solid back four.
Put merely, Klopp’s charges missed the speed and creativity of Mohammed Salah. Sometimes you need moments of individual brilliance to settle ties such as the Merseyside derby. And who else can create such magical moments than Mohammed Salah?
Liverpool will lift the premier league title. That’s not even debatable. However, attention now begins to focus on how they can strengthen their spectacular season, and remain consistent.
And this dull performance against Everton was a timely reminder of their lean squad.
