The Bleak Blues suffered their fourth loss in the Premier League this season as the Rampant Reds were defeated at home. What happened in Merseyside?
Everton
Everton were away from home and faced tough competition, Aston Villa – in the most played fixture in Premier League history. Despite it being the most played fixture, Everton’s track record has been poor. Losing the past ten Premier League appearances against Villa, the odds were certainly not in their favour.
Going into the match as an underdog, midfielder Dwight McNeill, gave Everton a shocking lead. With McNeill striking just outside the box in the 16th minute, the raucous Brummies were silenced as he delivered the blues an early goal. McNeill went on to assist his notorious teammate, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, in a well-placed free kick. 27 minutes into the match – Everton were two-nil up away from home. All was going to plan for the Toffees.
Despite the shock to Villa’s game plan, fan favourite, Ollie Watkins, put an end to the blues celebrations by scoring his 60th Premier League goal, in the 36th minute. Shortly after, the 56th minute saw Watkins double his goal count. The feelings of deja-vu were hard to ignore for the Blues. In their last Premier League fixture, before the international break, the side gave away their two-goal cushion against Bournemouth – ultimately losing 3-2. Fans were left frustrated by this result. The international break highlighting Everton’s growing problems.
Super-sub for Aston Villa, John Duran, who has scored six Premier League goals off the bench, haunted the Blues by scoring a wonder strike in the 76th minute. This solidified the defeat, and the full-time whistle couldn’t have come any faster for the Toffees.
In a post-match interview with the BBC, Everton Manager Sean Dyche expressed his frustrations at losing a lead for the second match in a row.
“Every chance is capitalised on by the opposition, every chance we’re not taking.”
Dyche has become known for rescuing teams threatened by relegation. Can he do it again this year? Will he stay in the job long enough? How long will this poor run of fixtures last? All questions Evertonians are asking. With the new stadium set to open next summer, it would be highly disappointing for the fans if the longest reigning Premier League team were relegated before their new ground has the chance to play host to a Premier League fixture. Sean Dyche has a long season ahead of him.
Liverpool
On the other side of the Mersey, Arne Slot had his second home game at Anfield. He was hoping to become the first Premier League manager to keep a clean sheet in the first opening four matches. Liverpool has an outstanding success record at home, in the Premier League, and Nottingham Forest haven’t won a match at Anfield in 55 years. It felt like a guaranteed 3 points for the reds, however Nuno Espirito Santo’s well organised and disciplined Forest side gave Anfield a shock. Liverpool maintained a respectable 70% possession whilst Forest remained calm, resistant and patient.
Super-substitutes – Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, were part of the tactical masterclass displayed by Espirito Santo. In the 72nd minute the former Manchester United player, Elanga, shocked the reds by assisting Hudson-Odoi in a ultimate match-winning-goal. The away stand erupted in celebration and the Liverpool fans fell silent. Liverpool is notorious for scoring last minute equalisers. In the previous Premier League season 22% of Liverpool’s goals came after the 81st minute so all hope was not lost until the final whistle.
For the reds – this felt like a massive loss. Having faced relentless opposition from tough competitors of Arsenal and Manchester City in previous years, for Liverpool every point matters. The league winner is often decided by a matter of single digits. However, disaster is not yet declared for the reds who have an impressive 3 wins to their name this the season and with a new manager. How will Liverpool fare without their beloved Jurgen Klopp?
Two shock losses for Merseyside this weekend. The December derby, which is fast approaching, will cause for an interesting watch.
