Liverpool have suffered a critical blow in their pursuit of the Premier League title after falling to defeat away at Everton.
The Reds went into the Merseyside derby on the back of a victory at the weekend which got their title hopes back on track.
Liverpool will no doubt have seen how Arsenal fared in their London derby against Chelsea and would’ve likely been optimistic of doing something similar against Everton.
However, the complete opposite happened, with the Reds being poor against an inspired Toffees outfit eager to secure valuable points in their relegation battle, not to mention bragging rights.
In the 28th minute, Liverpool made a series of defensive mistakes which culminated in Jarrad Branthwaite bundling the ball over the line, a goal pretty much gifted to Everton.
Ibrahima Konate failed to clear a loose ball and it found its way to the Everton defender, who poked the ball underneath Alisson Becker and into the net off the post.
Then, just before the hour, another Liverpool calamity at the back resulted in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin getting a free header with which to double the hosts’ lead.
During the match, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk struggled to keep his composure. He was seen complaining on several occasions, one instance getting him in the book on 37 minutes.
In the second half, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville noted how the Reds star appeared to be letting the occasion – and the opposition – get the better of him.
What did Gary Neville say about Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk?
“Van Dijk complains again, but l am surprised by his naivety,” Neville said on Sky Sports News. “He is already complaining – which means they are in his head.”
It seemed as though the occasion got to most of the Liverpool players. Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister were also booked late on for remonstrating with the referee.
It has to be said, it looks like the Reds’ title chances are over for another season. Now it would be very surprising if they can get back ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City now.
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