
Liverpool were dominant against Everton and the passing stats in midfield tells part of the story as the Reds dominated at Anfield to win 2-0.
What a game. It felt like a genuine Merseyside Derby and was a glimpse into why the fixture remains the Premier League’s most booked bi-annual event.
Since its inception in 1992, the derby has seen the most red cards (21). There could have been dismissals on both sides of the battle but ultimately, it was Liverpool’s class that proved the difference.
Goals from Andy Robertson and Divock Origi, the bane of Everton, saw Jurgen Klopp’s side walk away with the three points.
At halftime, Everton had completed just 50% of the passes while Liverpool’s players had found their mark 90% of the time and it was an indication of the cutting edge that would follow after the interval.
While the Reds would finish with a passing accuracy of 89%, Everton improved only marginally with a 55% success rate and Allan’s dismal passing was a sign of how Thiago, Naby Keita and Fabinho counter pressed Everton into submission and showed their class on the ball.
Allan completed just two passes in his 73 minutes on the pitch against Liverpool.
They were both from kick-off. 😅 pic.twitter.com/VJ3vonjCIA
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 24, 2022
Meanwhile, the only player who found his mark fewer times was Rondon. The second-half substitution completed 1 pass in 13 minutes.
In midfield, Allan (2), Alex Iwobi (10) and Abdoulaye Doucure (14) completed just 26 passes compared to the 234 completed by Naby Keita, Fabinho and Thiago.
Keita’s passing accuracy was just 83% while Fabinho was neat and efficient, reaching a teammate 91% of the time from a total of 87 passes.
It was another masterclass from Thiago, however, who misplaced just 2 passes all game from 122 in total. His 98% pass accuracy was a continuation of his sensational display against Manchester United.
Jurgen Klopp’s second half subs ensured that the Reds’ didn’t waste their dominance in a game which saw them control the possession.
Liverpool had 83% of the possession but two key moments won the game as Robertson and Origi scored the only two goals of the day.
The latter linked up brilliantly with Mohamed Salah as part of a move which saw the Egyptian deftly chip the ball to the far post to find the advanced Robertson.
It’s Salah’s 13th assist of the season which now means he has the most in the Premier League – one ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Origi scored another header after Luis Diaz attempted an audacious bicycle kick which bounced into the Belgian’s path and he was never going to miss.
Liverpool are now once again one point behind Manchester City in the race to win the Premier League but still need their rivals to slip up.
It’s essentially a matter of who can win all their remaining games as neither side are showing any signs of dropping points
