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The Merseyside Derby is one of the most historic fixtures in the game of football and today’s spectacle did not fail to pay tribute to that as well.
The first half set the pace with some breathless end-to-end action, and Everton went toe-to-toe with Liverpool, matching them chance-for-chance in the opening half hour. Both sides showed off their attacking prowess creating multiple goalscoring opportunities, but goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Alisson Becker were both outstanding to keep the score 0-0 at the break.
Andre Gomes, once he settled in, was absolutely masterful on the ball, striding purposefully through the middle and stringing together defence and attack. Surely Marcel Brands and Marco Silva have seen enough to sign him up permanently, whatever it takes.
Shots were five each and two on goal each at the break, and the two teams deserved to be tied on the balance of chances created.
The second half started somewhat more sedately, and a nervous pall hung over Anfield. More chances traded but Everton were starting to look like they were settling into a lower block, much like they did at Chelsea.
Ademola Lookman came on as customarily does, and made a couple of mazy runs, but the Blues were unable to get any more penetration.
Liverpool, like they do so often though, somehow stole it right at the death. A bizarre miskick from van Dijk ballooned over the goal, and Pickford made the mistake of going for it, and instead of pushing the ball over he ended up tapping it onto the bar and Origi was on hand to head home.
What.. just.. happened..