Everton 2, Liverpool 2 - Match Recap: A Not So Fond Farewell

A look back at the key moments in Liverpool’s gut-wrenching draw with Everton in Premier League action.

Everton 2 - 2 Liverpool

Blues: Beto 11’, Tarkowski 90+8

Reds : Mac Allister 16’, Salah 73’

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Pre-Match

Arne Slot names a team that is as close as possible to a strongest XI, with the only obvious exception being Connor Bradley in for an injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was at least fit enough to make the bench. It’s a chance for Liverpool to extend their lead atop the Premier League to 9 points on the same matches played, and as a bonus to send the Blues away from Goodison with a losing record against the Reds.

Let’s fucking go.

Also: props to the creator of the banner that read, “an empty cabinet is easier to move.”

First Half

Ugh, first Michael Oliver gives a free kick from a complete dive in the middle of the park, and then a well-worked set piece (and poor defending) gives the Blues the early lead. This might be a long evening.

AND THEN MACCA EQUALIZES A MINUTE LATER! Salah wins a rare free kick out wide. The initial effort is cleared, but Salah gathers it and puts a cross back in for Mac Allister to nod home with a perfect header to the back post.

Referee Michael Oliver has his head firmly planted up his ass tonight. He’s giving the home side free kicks for any contact at all, or sometimes no contact at all. The Bitters are hurling themselves to the turf at every opportunity, and Oliver is buying it every single time.

As the half draws to a close, Oliver has handed out 5 yellows—3 to Everton—and all the stoppages have certainly helped the home side. Liverpool only created 3 chances in the first half, for a paltry 0.27xG. Hopefully Slot can work some of his halftime magic to produce a better showing in the second half.

Second Half

Fifteen minutes into the second half and Liverpool have not looked great. And Bradley nearly got himself in hot water after a coming together which could’ve been a second yellow (and with Oliver’s night, I’m surprised he didn’t give it).

Slot makes a double sub: Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones on for Bradley and Gravenberch. A double Scouse sub! Aaaand Curt goes straight into the book with a pretty aggressive challenge. Great.

And now a double himbo sub: Tsimikas and Darwin on for Robertson and Gakpo.

Liverpool hadn’t had a single shot this half...until Curtis Jones has a shot deflected...directly into Mo Salah’s path, and the Egyptian King slotted with his wand of a left foot.

With about 5 minutes of regulation time to go, Slot brings off Luis Diaz and brings on Diogo Jota.

The Blues score an equalizer with the ultimate sucker punch right at the death. It was scrappy, but what this game honestly deserved.

Final Thoughts

Fair fucks to the Blues. Liverpool didn’t deserve all three points on the night, and they were punished in the end.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com