Liverpool – Everton: Counterattacks Decisive In Merseyside Derby (2-0)

Everton had problems against Liverpool’s high tempo play in this match, as well as being forced back by the home side’s counterpressing. The match winning goals for Liverpool arrived either side of half time via counterattacks which were finished off by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, giving Liverpool a fairly comfortable win in the end as Everton offered little in attack.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Liverpool’s struggles continued last weekend when they were beaten 3-0 away at Wolves. A response was desperately needed here as they faced Merseyside rivals Everton. Jürgen Klopp lined his side up in their 4-3-3 system again for this game, with a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joël Matip, Joe Gomez, and Andrew Robertson. In midfield was a trio of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Stefan Bajcetic behind a front three of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo.

Everton meanwhile had a dream start in their first game under new manager Sean Dyche, as they put in a strong performance to beat league leaders Arsenal. Dyche opted for a 4-5-1 shape again for this match, with a defensive line of Séamus Coleman, Conor Coady, James Tarkowski, and Vitalii Mykolenko. Idrissa Gueye was in central midfield supporting Abdoulaye Doucouré and Amadou Onana. Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi were the wide midfielders, while the one personnel change from last week’s . . .