Liverpool claimed Merseyside superiority with a thumping 4-0 win over arch rivals Everton in what was a sorry evening for the Toffees.
It was a bright and exciting start to the 226th Merseyside Derby with both sides having a shot at each other’s goals in the opening few minutes. However, Liverpool grew into the game and exerted their dominance on their Merseyside rivals, raining in the shots on Joel Robles’ goal. It was only a matter of time before Divock Origi set Anfield alight with a goal in front of the Kop at the stroke of half-time. The Belgian latched onto a header off a peach of a cross from James Milner from the right flank.
Origi has been quiet so far but the Kop are chanting his name now,. His first derby, first goal and #LFC lead at Anfield
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) April 20, 2016
Frenchman Mamadou Sakho then quickly doubled Liverpool’s lead just as Robert Madeley was about to blow his whistle for half time. Milner was the architect once more, delivering another beautiful cross in from inside the box, this time from the left hand side.
Sakho with his second goal for his country.. #LFC
— Jamie Funnell (@funnellboi) April 20, 2016
All of Twitterverse heaped praise on James Milner for yet another big performance for the Reds. The Englishman, brought in from Manchester City last summer, is enjoying life off late at Merseyside. He’s also drawing the adulation of the Anfield faithful who gave him a standing ovation as he gave way for Jordan Ibe.
Sakho with his second goal for his country.. #LFC
— Jamie Funnell (@funnellboi) April 20, 2016
Standing ovation for James Milner. May be on big wages but he’s delivering. #lfc
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) April 20, 2016
FACT: James Milner has more assists in 2016 in the Premier League than Aston Villa.
— Dave O’Connell (@DaveOCKOP) April 20, 2016
Then came the talking point of the Merseyside derby. Ramiro Funes Mori’s horrific tackle on Origi saw the former shown a straight red and the latter needing to be stretchered off the field.
Horrible and brainless at the same time from Ramiro Funes Mori – not a great combination.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) April 20, 2016
Klopp: ” I want to be 100% happy but Origi injury took a bit of joy away from that win.”
— Kop End (@kopitetilldeath) April 20, 2016
Daniel Sturridge, who came on for the injured Origi, then scored his 50th goal for the Reds to make it 3-0 on the night. The England international received and controlled a through ball from Lucas and then slotted the ball past Robles to compound the misery for Roberto Martinez’s men.
Sturridge scores his 50th goal for Liverpool!
— LiverpoolFF (@LiverpoolFF) April 20, 2016
Daniel Sturridge has averaged a goal or an assists every 88 minutes this season. #lfc
— The Anfield Chat (@TheAnfieldChat) April 20, 2016
Philippe Coutinho then scored his customary curler from outside the box to quadruple Liverpool’s advantage and send the Everton fans rushing out for the exit doors.
Coutinho’s goal was pretty much a carbon copy of the one he scored against Dortmund. Brilliant finish. #LFC
— Anfield Bond (@AnfieldBond) April 20, 2016
All in all it was a comprehensive win for Liverpool and the stats didn’t lie. To be fair to Everton, the scoreline projects a more rosier picture for the Toffees than the full game stats. It could have been a whole lot worse for Roberto Martinez’s men if not fir Joel Robles in goal who stopped shot after shot in the last half hour.
If you think about messaging me to remind me about renewing my season ticket tomorrow or this month l swear to god. @Everton
— Everton Pictures (@evertonfcpics) April 20, 2016
Everton ??? pic.twitter.com/eaRKl5DLFX
— Billy Liddell (@Liddellpool) April 20, 2016
Emphatic derby victory! Clean sheet, 4 goals, dominant. @LFC has been an exciting club
— Linda Pizzuti Henry (@Linda_Pizzuti) April 20, 2016
Everton were so easy, Joe Allen is laughing and playing about with them. Banter. pic.twitter.com/W8jEdBoqgy
— – (@AnfieldRd96) April 20, 2016
