Liverpool’s pursuit for a historic quadruple is still alive and well after a 2-0 win against Everton in a tense Merseyside Derby.
After a determined defensive showing by their struggling opponents, the title-chasers found it difficult for much of the game.
Liverpool attempted to convert their possession dominance into goals after a calm first half highlighted by a yellow card given to Everton’s Anthony Gordon for simulation. Clear-cut chances were difficult to come by against Frank Lampard’s deep defensive line.
At the start of the second half, the hosts opened up, allowing Everton to exploit spaces in behind. Gordon had a penalty claim turned down after a collision with Joel Matip, but the teenager remained one of the more dangerous threats in an assault without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was injured.
When it came to substitutes, Klopp blinked first, bringing on Divock Origi and Luis Diaz around the hour mark. It didn’t take long for the alterations to bear fruit, with Origi assisting on the move that saw Andy Robertson put the Reds ahead and Diaz threaten to add a second.
As Liverpool attempted to extend their lead, Mason Holgate headed off the line, and Origi himself added a second.
Divock Origi’s late intervention in the 2018-19 season was crucial in breaking Everton’s resistance. With the opponents’ defense being similarly obstinate, Jurgen Klopp went to the Belgian once more.
Origi didn’t break the tie this time, but he was instrumental in the transition when comrade Robertson returned home. Robertson’s link-up play provided space for Mohamed Salah, whose cross was turned beyond Jordan Pickford by the Egypt forward. But he wasn’t through yet. As Diaz’s acrobatic effort flashed across the face of goal six minutes from time, Origi reacted quickest to head home the game-winning goal.