Liverpool's Premier League title challenge in tatters after Everton defeat
Liverpool suffered a 2-0 defeat against Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. With this defeat, Jurgen Klopp's men have surrendered in their bid to challenge for the Premier League title. Liverpool have dropped points in three of their last four Premier League games, including two defeats in three matches. Arsenal and Manchester City will be ecstatic seeing a wasteful Liverpool suffer.
Liverpool slip in bid for the Premier League title
After 34 matches, the Reds remain second with 74 points (W22 D8 L4). Liverpool remain three points behind current league leaders Arsenal (77 points). Liverpool's goal difference is +41 compared to Arsenal's +56. Meanwhile, Manchester City are third with 73 points. They have two matches in hand (32 matches). City's goal difference is +44. City remain the favorites to win the title.
A rare win for Everton against Liverpool at home
As per Squawka, Everton manager Sean Dyche became the second Toffees boss to claim a win in the Merseyside derby against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool after Carlo Ancelotti. Everton have won a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park for the first time since October 17, 2010. The Toffees saw a 12-game winless run in Merseyside derbies come to an end (D9 L3).
Form matters as Liverpool lose the plot
As mentioned, Liverpool have lost two of their last three Premier League matches. As per Opta, it's as many defeats for Liverpool in their previous 42 matches in the competition combined (W28 D12).
Everton claim massive victory
The Toffees have won three of their last four Premier League matches and are 16th after 34 matches. Everton, who earlier in the campaign faced points deduction, claimed their 11th win (D8 L15). They have 33 points and are seven points above 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. The Toffess have almost guranteed safety after a difficult campaign.
Summary of the match
Jarrad Branthwaite's close-range finish helped Everton take a crucial first-half lead. Jordan Pickford was massive for the hosts as he saved from Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Andy Robertson. Victory was effectively sealed when Dominic Calvert-Lewin rose at the far post to head home from Dwight McNeil's corner just before the hour. Liverpool had plenty of possession and more chances but failed to respond.
Here are the match stats
Liverpool had 2.06 expected goals compared to Everton's 1.09. The visitors made 23 attempts to Everton's 16. Liverpool edged past the hosts in terms of shots on target (7-6). Liverpool had 51 touches in the opposition box to Everton's 30. Liverpool had 77% ball possession.
