Older brotherLiverpool almost lost the Premier League championship, losing 0-2 to Everton in the round 29 compensation match.
The second defeat in the last three matches in the Premier League left Liverpool short of breath in the race with Arsenal and Man City. Jurgen Klopp and his team are now three points behind top Arsenal, with only four rounds left. Liverpool will lose second place if Man City does not lose to Brighton tonight. The owner of Anfield is one point ahead of Man City but has played two more matches.
Calvert-Lewin (No. 9) jumped high and headed the ball to increase the score to 2-0 for Everton against Liverpool at Goodison Park on April 24. Image: Reuters
In the past 12 times with Liverpool at Goodison Park, coach Jurgen Klopp has never lost. But the last time he led Liverpool as a guest in the Merseyside derby, the German strategist could not maintain his unbeaten streak. In the context of thirst for victory in the championship race, Liverpool once again shot themselves in the foot.
Just like the 0-1 loss to Crystal Palace in mid-month, Klopp’s players could not score despite creating many opportunities. Liverpool held the ball 77% at Goodison Park, but still failed because of defensive mistakes.
At the first goal in the first half, many Liverpool players stood in the penalty area. However, no one could clear the ball decisively, before Ibrahima Konate fumbled the ball to Jarrad Branthwaite. Everton midfielder finished quickly and beat goalkeeper Alisson, opening the score in the 27th minute.
When the attack was improving, Liverpool lost another goal in the 58th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold stood very close to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but watched helplessly as the Everton striker jumped high and headed the ball into the net. The Liverpool defender even cowered as if afraid of his opponent’s strength. Off the field, coach Klopp smiled bitterly as if understanding that everything was probably over for Liverpool this season.
Liverpool players were stunned after the second goal at Goodison Park. Image: Reuters
Besides the two goals, Everton only had one other outstanding play, which was the situation where Calvert-Lewin was fouled by Alisson in the penalty area at the beginning of the match. Liverpool escaped a penalty because the home striker was offside earlier.
On the other side of the front line, the away team’s attack did not play poorly with many well-coordinated phases, opening up good confrontation opportunities. However, their serious illness recurred this season. The trio of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz continuously missed, shooting straight at Jordan Pickford at close range.
Luck was also not on Klopp’s side when the post denied Diaz’s technical shot in the second half, after a tricky dribble by the Colombian international. After that unfortunate phase, Liverpool’s morale clearly dropped. They failed to create great pressure at the end of the match and accepted a 0-2 loss.
Liverpool’s defeat means the championship race may soon change from three horses to two horses. Just three rounds ago, Klopp and his team still had it Opta rated the best for the championship, but now everything is out of their hands. For Everton, their first win against Liverpool at Goodison Park since 2010 helped them move eight points away from the group holding the red light. But it seems the home fans don’t care much about that. They were more concerned about Liverpool’s situation, singing: “You lost the championship at Goodison Park”.
Vy Anh
