After one of the biggest weeks in Liverpool's history with saga of the ownership it was down to matters on the park, and no bigger fixture than that of old foes and near neighbours Everton. With both clubs at the wrong end of the table and only one point seperating them this made it more important a derby than usual. Liverpool having won only one league game this season and struggling for form were hoping to be bouyed by the fact of having new owners Thomas Werner and John W. Henry in attendance.
Hodgson was restricted in his team selection with Agger, Kuyt and Glenn Johnson being unavailable for this one. I was happy enough with his selection in defence with Carragher deputising at right back. But not happy with the midfield, I would have had Gerrard playing in the middle of midfield with Meireles, instead of Lucas, Maxi wide right and Jovanovic wide left and Joe Cole playing just behind Torres. But Hodgson thought differently.
THE MATCH
A typical loud and passionate atmosphere for this one with no love lost. Liverpool kicked off but in most of the first half they had difficulty getting out of their own half. Everton looked really up for it and pressured Liverpool whenever they were in possession, pressing very high up the park. Everton had most of the play in the first half and they had the best of the chances early on as the tackles flew in. Distin and Jagielka going close with shots and also Yakubu hitting a shot which Reina saved well from. Liverpool struggled to get anything going due to Everton's tremendous pressure and Liverpool were causing a lot of their own problems by trying short passes in their own half instead of clearing their lines.
The best chance Liverpool created was a header from Torres which Howard tipped over the bar after a good cross from Cole. Everton took the lead on 33 minutes when a poor header from Lucas on the edge of his own box was headered straight to Everton which Coleman took advantage of and broke down the right edge of the Liverpool box with Lucas making a half hearted challenge to halt him and then Konchesky failing to stop him getting a cross in which Cahill hit into the top corner from close range giving Reina no chance.
It was nothing more than Everton deserved as they showed more hunger than Liverpool. They went in at half time 1-0 with much for Hodgson to think about.
Liverpool started better and a good shot from Maxi had Howard needing to make a save. But then on 50 minutes Everton doubled their lead when they won a corner down the left. Kyrgiakos could only head clear to Arteta on the edge of the box and he hit an unstoppable shot past the unsighted Reina as Yakubu was standing right in front of Reina and way offside but the goal was given and Liverpool were in real trouble.
Hodgson tried to change things by bringing on Babel, N'Gog and Jovanovic for Cole, Lucas and Maxi as Liverpool tried to get back into it Torres had a couple of efforts but there was a lack of passion and heart about the team as Gerrard as usual was the only one showing any creativity and true fight for the cause. Everton were deserved winners. Liverpool must get out of this bad run and quick as the fixtures don't get any easier in this league.
SUMMARY
Its easy to criticise Liverpool's performance but Everton played brilliantly, puting Liverpool under extreme pressure in their own half. I was disappointed that it appeared Everton looked the hungrier team and they deserved their win. Lucas was just not strong enough in the middle of the park and we were overun at times in the middle. I can't agree with Hodgson's comments after the game as he thought we played well, I think he was watching a different game from me. Torres once again got scraps to feed off, Cole should be playing in the middle just behind Torres instead of being stuck out on the left. Gerrard would be more influential playing deeper in the middle of midfield. But the players have to show a lot more commitment if we are to get out of this bad run. It seems the knives are being sharpened for Roy already but I would like to see him given a bit more time to turn it around its still early in the season.
Man Of The Match - Gerrard Once again he tried to drive us on with little help from his team mates.
YNWA
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