Three Things We Learned About Liverpool From The Merseyside Derby This Weekend
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool managed to keep the pressure on their top-4 rivals with a victory over in-form Premier League side Everton at Anfield this weekend. Sadio Mane’s blazing run gave them an early lead in the game but Everton found a way back from an unlikely source in Pennington. Phillipe Coutinho showed what he is capable of with a sumptuous strike that bought the Reds back into the game. Substitute Divock Origi sealed the game with a neat finish in the second half as Jurgen Klopp became the first manager to win his first three Merseyside derbies as a Liverpool manager. It was an entertaining affair and here are three things that we learned from this game.
Matip-Lovren is solid:
Liverpool have had their defensive problems this season but they managed to hold on to a lead in this game thanks to some brilliant performances from their defenders. Joel Matip looked calm and composed on the ball helping Liverpool set up attacks while Dejan Lovren was in comfort zone, winning everything in the air and dominating Lukaku all game. Both players have not played together regularly and though Liverpool fans are convinced they need a new defender this summer, Matip-Lovren is looking like a solid partnership for Liverpool and their future.
Emre can is a beast:
Most Liverpool fans were all over the German midfielder who was mediocre in the first half of the season. A couple of injuries surely dented his rhythm and confidence, but Can is back to his serious best. Bullying every Everton midfielder throughout the game, Can won the ball back a number of times and created a couple of chances, in what was his best performance this season. He was not fazed by the occasion, kept his cool in the middle of the field and put in a solid shift that helped Liverpool to victory. In a time when Adam Lallana is injured, Can might be the man who can push Liverpool closer to Europe.
Philippe Coutinho’s form might reduce Mane damage:
The worst thing for Liverpool in this game was losing their top goal scorer this season to an injury. Jurgen Klopp has ruled him out of the game against Bournemouth on Wednesday and that would normally be a huge blow for Liverpool and their top-4 chances. However, the Brazilian star Coutinho was back to sizzling form after his exploits with Brazil and he put in a shift that will excite Liverpool fans for the rest of the season. Mane’s absence will be felt for sure, but Coutinho’s form can reduce the impact.
