Liverpool spurned the chance to return to the top of the Premier League as they were held to a goalless draw by local rivals Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.
In what was the 200th Merseyside derby in the English top-flight, chances came few and far between for both sides, with Liverpool’s attackers lacking in sharpness. Mohamed Salah was presented with the best opportunities for the visitors, particularly in the first half. But, the Egyptian was far from his best and could not find the back of the net.
At the back, Liverpool had Virgil van Dijk to thank for ensuring a clean sheet, with the Dutchman making a staggering 13 clearances on the day. But, it was in the final third where the Reds left a lot to be desired, with a scintillating run by Joel Matip oddly being the most promising moment for them in the second half.
Everton, on the other hand, saw the wide men crossing in the ball a number of times, only to be denied by van Dijk, or Matip on the odd occasion. In the end, it was a Merseyside derby that lacked the cutting edge, and Liverpool fans rued the missed opportunity to return to the summit of the Premier League, with Jurgen Klopp’s decisions being questioned as well.
• Horrible performance.
• Salah should’ve scored.
• No composure from anyone.
• Out of our hands, now.
• Only ourselves to blame.
• Klopp’s subs were horrific.
• What does Keita have to do?
• How does Lallana still play for us?
• Burnley at Anfield, next.Disgraceful.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) March 3, 2019
A must win game, the Merseyside derby, in the title race, Klopp brings on Lallana wyd pic.twitter.com/noywfiNnw9
— Mason (@ayyitsmehson) March 3, 2019
The title is not over it’s put a huge dent in our hopes but city still have to go to tough places and win their remaining games, we are right behind them which is annoying after being 7 clear but now pressure is on city now, never blame klopp but his subs today ? Shocking #LFC
— hannah (@HanrayGK1) March 3, 2019
Piss poor. Salah to blame for this game. Klopp to blame for 2019. We were 7 points ahead. Title completely done now. #LFC
— Shaakir (@Shakes07) March 3, 2019
Klopps often praised, only right to criticise: Need a goal wait ages.. put Milner on? Keep wasteful Salah on. Origi & Mane off.. No pace. Difference between title challenge & title, Klopp & Mourinho/Pep ?♂️?♂️ #LFC #EVELIV
— Henrietta Freeman (@hen10freeman) March 3, 2019
Very strange tactics from Klopp, so close to title and ain’t going for it in derby by not bringing Shaqiri on…..
— Adam Summers (@adamsummers95) March 3, 2019
Truth is Klopp’s the only reason we are near the title, he’s also the reason we are gonna not win it.
— Demetri (@DemetriSmith_) March 3, 2019
From a potential 7 point lead to 1 point behind within the space of a month. It’s going to take a miracle for us to gain back our lead. #EVELIV
— Boss (@CaptainVanDijk) March 3, 2019
Virgil van Dijk was nothing short of colossal for Liverpool and after a solid showing at the back, fans were all praises for the Dutch defender.
Van Dijk has been easily the best player in the PL this season and there’s no debate about it.
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 3, 2019
It’s ridiculous how much better Virgil van Dijk is at football to anyone else on this pitch
— Pat (@patmoore97) March 3, 2019
For Michael Keane to put in a performance like that and STILL not be the best centre-back on the pitch is…quite something. You are ridiculous, Virgil van Dijk.
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) March 3, 2019
Van Dijk our best player again so no vote. He is our player of the year.
— Fields Of Anfield Road (@FOARsite) March 3, 2019
Do any of our players bar Van Dijk want the title?
— Jay (@FutebolJay) March 3, 2019
If Liverpool had another Virgil Van Dijk, they would play without the goalkeeper. #LFC #YNWA
— blepHaritis (@HTanouti) March 3, 2019