Liverpool claimed the 226th Merseyside derby, and Jürgen Klopp’s first, 4-0. There were a number of lessons to be learnt, as two clubs in complete contrast played out a non-competitive affair at Anfield.
1. Everton are a side in disarray
Let’s start with the obvious: a 4-0 loss to your archrivals is never a good result. However, it represents an even larger problem for Roberto Martinez’s side, who have underperformed throughout their entire campaign.
The Toffees went 2-0 down just prior to the break thanks to the heads of Divock Origi and Mamadou Sakho, then things went from bad to worse as Ramiro Funes Mori saw red for his stomp on Origi, and John Stones headed down the tunnel not long into the second half.
Everton’s centre back pairing looked more like a midfield pairing, as James McCarthy partnered Muhamed Besic in the heart of defence. Thereafter, Liverpool absolutely dominated possession, holding onto 64 per cent of the ball as the Blues struggled to keep up with the pace of their crosstown rivals.
It’s a tough road from here for Martinez and the Toffees. Calls for the former Wigan Athletic boss to be relieved of his duties don’t seem far off the mark, as his side head towards their worst league finish for 13 years. Seemingly the only one way Martinez will keep his job is a victory in the FA Cup, in which Everton a semi-final against Manchester United on Sunday morning (AEST).
Don’t hold your breath though Blues fans, your team is in a serious spot of bother, with not a single senior centre back available for that clash.
2. James Milner is the Reds’ new assist king
Mesut who? James Milner, the man branded ‘boring’ by almost everyone, has registered 11 Premier League assists this season. That’s more than the likes of Spurs young gun Dele Alli, Hammers’ star man Dimitri Payet and level with PFA player of the year favourite Riyad Mahrez!
Milner has cut a rejuvenated figure for the Reds in 2016, and without the injured Jordan Henderson has embraced the captain’s armband and role as key playmaker. The ex-Manchester City man is in form and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.
The 30-year-old turned back the clock with two delightful first-half assists. The first came as Milner crossed marvellously from deep on the right wing, picking out the head of a high-flying Origi, who opened the scoring from close range. The second was equally astute, this time with the skipper dinking a classy ball across the face of the box for the lurking Mamadou Sakho, who doubled Liverpool’s lead with an easy headed finish.
Milner has looked some player in 2016 and Jürgen Klopp will be hoping his momentum doesn’t stem anytime soon, especially as Liverpool head towards semi-final legs home and away in the Europa League at Villareal.
3. Liverpool don’t need Divock Origi, but he helps
Perhaps the only sour note of a euphoric afternoon at Anfield for the Reds was the injury to Origi. The 21-year-old had to be stretchered from the field as his ankle was stomped callously by Everton centre back Funes Mori.
It was a worrying sight for Klopp, as his top striker was cut down by a shocking challenge, one deemed worthy of a straight red by referee Robert Madley.
It is unclear how serious Origi’s injury is, and anyone associated with the red side of Merseyside will be hoping it’s nothing too serious. The Belgian has been essential to the Reds’ recent revival, netting five times in his last five games.
The striker is important, however with Daniel Sturridge waiting in the wings, it is perhaps the one position the Reds could afford to lose a player. Origi is important, but he can be replaced, and Sturridge is the man for the job.
4. Lukaku and Stones will search for new pastures
A forlorn Romelu Lukaku trudged around the Anfield turf, showing disdain for his Everton teammates throughout this derby. The Belgian was isolated throughout the piece and received very little in way of service, even prior to the untimely ejection of Mori, which led to the withdrawal of partner in crime Ross Barkley.
The 22-year-old has been linked with numerous moves away from Merseyside, the latest rumour linking him with a return to Chelsea – the side from which he joined Everton for a fee of 28.5 million pounds just two seasons ago.
If Lukaku isn’t already a world-class striker he soon will be, and now is the right time for a big career move for a player who has already notched 50 Premier League goals. Don’t expect to see him at Everton past this season.
Another talented youngster boasted by this Everton team is centre back John Stones. The 21-year-old has been a target for both Chelsea and Manchester City in the past, and his time at Everton looks to be just about up. Watching his side go down without a fight in such an important match could easily be the straw that broke the camel’s back for a young man with English football at his feet.
It will be a big blow to lose their two best young players, but the Toffees have little choice if the players wish to go elsewhere.
5. Klopp’s Liverpool look scary
Jürgen Klopp is the first manager to win his first Merseyside Derby since Gerard Houllier in 1999. Liverpool have gone from strength to strength under the German’s reign, losing just one of their last 15 matches in all competitions, while players like Origi, Milner and Adam Lallana have found a new gear, of which many football fans didn’t believe they were capable.
The last week has been a good barometer of just how in-form they are. A 4-3 come-from-behind victory against a much-fancied Borussia Dortmund side to progress to the semi-final of the Europa League was followed by a 2-1 win away at Bournemouth, despite fielding a side which featured five academy players. Add to that a massive derby victory over the old enemy, and you get a picture of a side that have done little wrong in recent months.
Liverpool are the Premier League’s form side of 2016, and are just six points out of fourth place and Champions League qualification with five matches remaining in their campaign (they nurture the advantage of a game in hand). It’s not a difficult run home for Klopp’s men either, they come up against Newcastle (H), Swansea (A), Watford (H), Chelsea (H) and West Brom (A). Victory in all these games could see them go close to a top-four berth, although they would be relying on the results of others.
One thing is for sure though, it takes a lot to beat Klopp’s men at the moment. The Reds are gaining momentum each week as they head towards the climax of their domestic and European campaigns. Can they qualify for Champions League football next season? Count them out at your peril.
celtic bandaid
Guest
No 6 Put your wallet in your undies. Its in Merseyside. Scouse are everywhere.
Maroon Blood
Guest
Winning a major title means you won't get sacked? Roberto De Matteo may not agree with you.
Michael Mills
Guest
It's difficult. Obviously we want to win the semi and hopefully the title, because you never know when you'll get the next opportunity. However, I don't want to see Martinez hang around and spend the new 'war chest' and any cash from Lukaku, Stones and whoever on else. We could end up with a new manager saddled with a whole lot of expensive duds, if Martinez is subsequently sacked mid-season. I agree that the best outcome will be an FA Cup win and a new manager before the transfer window opens, but I think it will be one or the other, unfortunately.
Liam Sheedy
Roar Guru
I have never wanted Everton to lose a game. But my fear is if Everton were to somehow win the FA cup then Martinez won't be sacked. Last year Martinez started losing the support of the fans. He now has none left.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Liam, a question to you, from a Red to a Blue - would you really want Everton to lose on Saturday, if it meant Martinez was sacked? I think it's a dangerous attitude, for it implies his replacement will be an instant improvement on matters. I wouldn't be so presumptious, because it is still an FA Cup semi-final, and what will help Everton more in the long run than a sacked manager is a trophy. Everton needs its fans to believe again, and saying goodbye to Martinez won't solve your problems. I'd say the better outcome for Everton is to beat Man Utd, and then win the FA Cup, and then sack Martinez based on his poor results otherwise. That would speak of a club that will demand better results, and will have some silverware to show that demonstrates an achievement.
Liam Sheedy
Roar Guru
Firstly well done Liverpool. Watching the game the scoreline could have been even more one sided! Once a manager loses the dressing room then time is up. The players have been unhappy for a long time and Martinez needs to be removed from his post ASAP. The players are not playing for him and have no faith in his methods. While Everton are in the FA Cup semi final, long term a loss might be the best result this Saturday. As it will surely mean the end of Martinez. Everton will have signficant resources and money to spend in the off-season. Maybe with a competent manager coming on board some players can be convinced to stay. As an Evertonian it is almost impossible to dislike Klopp. He is just such a likable person and is certainly doing a great job.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Seen many derbies, never seen one where I've been sitting and watching comfortably. While Liverpool played well, they were made to look like worldbeaters against a spineless Everton side. Martinez's days are surely numbered. Bad blow with Origi, and an awful challenge by Funes Mori. Apart from that, I'd not overstate Liverpool's season, other than to say they're in good form. Unless they can win the Europa League, the season can only be branded as a failure. Klopp's work since October has been encouraging, but Liverpool fans have been here countless times before with the "next season" line. Let's see if Liverpool can get past a Rafa-led Newcastle, followed by a trip to Villarreal. One step at a time.