Jota’s Goal Secures Vital Win for Liverpool Against Everton | OneFootball

Liverpool 1 – 0 Everton – Premier League Player Ratings

Following the 1-2 loss against Newcastle in the EFL Cup Final, the Reds must now look to bounce back and secure the Premier League title. With Arsenal beating Fulham 2-1 on Tuesday evening, the Anfield encounter became a must-win affair and a Merseyside Derby that could define the eventual league champions.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0

The backup Irish stopper was tasked with wearing the gloves tonight with Alisson Becker not risked after his international concussion. The first half was fairly routine as he dealt with everything that came his way.

In the second half, the academy graduate was again assured of his work.

Curtis Jones – 7.0

The England international was picked to add a more offensive intent, however, he was unable to make much of an impact in a limited first-half display.

After the intermission, the former academy graduate was diligent and disciplined in his defensive work.

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scotland international was tenacious and willing in the opening period, though he was unable to offer much in the final third despite continual attempts to break down the left.

After the halftime break, the former Hull fullback was more productive on the ball in a spirited half.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0

The France international defender was rattled by the presence of Beto in the first half as he struggled to fully adapt to the direct play of the visitors.

In the second half, the former RB Leipzig man was better prepared to battle and clear his lines.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0

The captain and leader of this team looked unsettled in the first half as he was unable to clear his lines on a couple of occasions in a tense first half.

After the restart, the former Celtic man was more commanding and alert to cover his backline.

Photo: IMAGO

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0

The Dutch midfielder was limited in his output on the ball in the opening 45 minutes, despite a desire to play ten yards further up the pitch.

After the break, the former Ajax prodigy was well-positioned and improved his work rate.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0

The Hungarian skipper was unable to offer much on or off the ball as he was often outworked in the first half of this Merseyside derby.

After the intermission, the former RB Leipzig man was more energized to cover ground and support his teammates.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

The Argentina World Cup winner was clattered early on and seemed to struggle to raise his game until halftime.

In the second 45 minutes, the former Brighton man was more refined and considered on the ball.

Diogo Jota – 7.0

The Portuguese striker was again poor and unproductive in attack as the chances that arose linked away from him in the opening half of play.

In the second half the former Wolves man was the scorer of the vital opening goal, which validated his inclusion.

Subbed – 75 mins

Luis Díaz – 8.0

The Columbian forward started on the wing and looked to penetrate, however, he could not get traction or momentum despite a couple of moments of good skill.

In the second half the former Porto man was far more aggressive and produced good moments, including the assist for Jota’s goal.

Subbed – 86 mins

Man of the match

Mohamed Salah – 6.0

The Egyptian King was outmanned and lacking in support, with only a couple of glimpses of creation in the first half.

After the break, the record-breaking scorer was again crowded out and limited despite some good moments.

Subbed – 90+2

Substitutions;

Darwin Núñez – 5.0 (on 75)

Can on to offer more power.

Cody Gakpo – 5.0 (on 86)

Came on.

Wataru Endō – 5.0 (on 90+2)

Came on to add assurance.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 7.0

The Dutch manager picked a team that was built to break down and test the opposition.

The substitutions were reactive to the tense latter stages.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 1 Everton