Liverpool will look to re-establish their advantage at the top of the Premier League as they return to action with a Merseyside derby against Everton.
Arne Slot’s side have had plenty of time to stew on their Carabao Cup final loss as a trophy slipped out of their grasp at Wembley, with this their first outing since that mid-March defeat after an early exit from the FA Cup. It leaves their full focus on league success and though their significant lead over Arsenal was narrowed to nine points last night, Liverpool remain in a position of such strength with nine games to go in the campaign.
This could represent a stumbling block, though, with Everton sure to be ready for their rivals as they travel across the city. James Tarkowski snatched a dramatic late equaliser in the reverse fixture – the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park – and the club have enjoyed solid form since, though David Moyes will be keen to end a recent run of draws that have inhibited their climb up the table.
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HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Everton
An Everton head meets the free-kick but it goes well wide – and that’s half-time!
No goals but a very eventful half, one which Everton have threatened the most.
The Toffees have had a disallowed goal and a shot off the post, both from Beto, meaning Liverpool won’t be too peeved with the scoreline at the break.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
45+4 mins: Another Everton counter and Beto is played in behind, racing against Konate. It’s played back to Alcaraz who wins a corner from the long shot.
Nothing comes from the corner, but as they try and build again, Liverpool concede a free-kick. Last action of the half this.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
45+2 mins: Everton come away on the break again and as a ball is whipped into Alcaraz, it loops up to Beto on the edge of the six-yard box who goes for the acrobatic effort.
Kelleher bravely snatches it out of the air.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
45 mins: Gravenberch lets fly from range and it takes a big deflection off an Everton leg, bouncing luckily into the grasp of Pickford. That shot looked to be travelling as well.
FOUR minutes added on for the first half.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
43 mins: Wonderful ball into the box by Gravenberch, Diogo Jota looks to be there for a tap in but Tarkowski gets a vital touch on it to divert the ball away from the striker.
Harrison then gets it away before Robertson blazes over.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
40 mins: Heart-in-mouth stuff for Everton as a pass-back towards Tarkowski is light, with Jota chasing onto it.
The Toffees captain does just enough to deal with it and snatch the ball away from Jota.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
37 mins: Liverpool need to get a grip on this game.
Everton once again come away with the ball and its just about dealt with by Van Dijk.
Down the other end, they’ve just won a corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
33 mins: OFF THE POST! So nearly a DISASTER for Liverpool!
Konate loses it on halfway and Everton have a chance to break. The pass into Beto is poor but Van Dijk completely makes a mess of the intervention, giving the striker a clear run on goal.
He gets it past Kelleher but hits the inside of the post and away. A massive let off for the hosts.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
It has been as competitive as might be expected. Slot felt that, at Goodison Park, as against Newcastle at Wembley, Liverpool weren’t really able to impose their own style of play. Liverpool have had more possession so far but it has felt a typical derby game. Luis Diaz has been bright and his duel with Jake O’Brien will be well worth watching. Diaz in effect won Liverpool the game here last year when Ashley Young could not cope with him.