3 Things We Learned From Liverpool’s Derby Win Over Everton

Liverpool thrashed Everton in what was their heaviest defeat since the 5-0 hammering at Goodison Park in 1982. Liverpool went three goals ahead in the first half, and despite a missed penalty, they scored another and held on for the 4-0 win. Here are 3 things that we learned from the match.

1. Derby days defy logic

Ask anyone in the world, and they would never have predicted a 4-0 score line under any circumstances in this fixture. The two teams came into this game just one point and two places apart in the league table, and both teams had injury problems to contend with. It looked as if it would be a close contest between two teams focused on a passing game.

However, Liverpool just looked hungrier of the two sides, and they continued to press Everton who were given no time to settle into the game. Once Liverpool opened the scoring, there was no coming back as Sturridge scored two in close succession to take Liverpool three ahead. Everton came out all guns blazing in the second half but Liverpool weathered the storm and kept the clean sheet to run out 4-0 winners, and hand Everton their heaviest defeat in 21 years.

2. Everton’s squad needs strengthening

Everton’s thin squad showed in this fixture, and they will need to strengthen immediately in the remaining days of the transfer window. They had a host of key players out due to injury, and that showed in their game. Despite hogging 61% of the possession, they failed to make it count when it really mattered.

Romelu Lukaku had to be substituted early in the first half due to an ankle injury and that will only add to Roberto Martinez’s growing concern. They looked toothless up front with the big Belgian, and unless Martinez dips into the transfer market to increase the squad depth, Everton stand the risk of losing ground in the race for the fourth spot.

3. Liverpool’s title push may just be on

Liverpool showed that they have the credentials to be contenders for the title if things go in their favor with respect to other fixtures. They hammered a very good Everton side that had lost just two Premier League games before this defeat. In Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge they possess a forward line capable of scaring the crap out of the best defenses in the Premier League, and with the kind of form they are in, scoring a goal seems easier than missing one.

Liverpool have an uncongested fixture list due to their absence from European football, and they will be hosting all of the top sides apart from Manchester United at home. Anfield has been a fortress for them this season- Liverpool have played 12, won 10, lost 1, drawn 1- and if their impressive home form continues, then they could just make up the 6 points that they trail league leaders Arsenal by.