So concludes the 2019 Merseyside derby; another crazy, eventful and emotional occasion that leaves one set of fans in dreamland.
Liverpool thrashed local city rivals Everton 5-2 on Wednesday night. But, as Reds fans celebrate, they shouldn’t forget their utter dismay earlier in the evening.
Manager Jurgen Klopp surprised everyone with his team selection. Regulars Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino were on the bench. In their place came Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri, the latter of whom was starting his first game Premier League game since January.
Those weren’t the only shocks. Little-used midfielder Adam Lallana started in place of captain Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool fans around the world couldn’t believe their eyes. But in the end, Klopp’s faith in his squad paid off. Liverpool was absolutely brilliant and could’ve scored more than just the five goals.
How did the shock inclusions play? Were they key in securing the victory?
The 2019 Merseyside Derby
The Players That Were Surprise Inclusions
Xherdan Shaqiri
Deputizing for Mo Salah, the Swiss winger was a standout performer. A constant thorn in Everton’s side, he scored the second goal after some brilliant play by Sadio Mane.
The Senegalese sped away from his markers before playing through a perfectly weighted ball that was calmly finished by Shaqiri.
Despite not registering an assist, his corners were brilliant and he connected with 75% of his long balls. He was also only unsuccessful with one of his dribbles and Everton’s players fouled him on three occasions.
An incredible performance considering that this was his first Premier League start.
Adam Lallana
Probably the weakest performer out of all the shock inclusions, the Englishman was relatively anonymous. He failed to impose his will on the match and didn’t look like a threat.
While his short passing was accurate at 77%, he didn’t do much else. He only attempted one long pass that was unsuccessful and he didn’t have a single shot.
His failure to make an impact was symbolized by the fact that he was dragged off after 72 minutes for Jordan Henderson. The captain then went on to create two big chances in only 18 minutes.
Unfortunately, this seems like a new reality for Lallana. He struggles to keep up with the pace of Klopp’s team and this game will do nothing to dispel his critics.
Divock Origi
Is there anyone that loves derby day as much as this man?
Nearly a year after his bizarre winner in the last Anfield derby, Origi came back to haunt Everton. He opened the scoring after six minutes with a well-taken goal, but it was his second strike that stole the show.
Dejan Lovren played a brilliant long ball to the Belgian, who controlled it brilliantly before calmly slotting it into the roof of the net. Anfield exploded with joy. They had just witnessed a piece of footballing excellence.
Origi’s all-around game was also excellent. He won the majority of his duals and had a 70% pass accuracy.
Taken off after 73 minutes, he was, without a doubt, the man of the match. Kopites will be hoping that he plays every single time that Everton is on the fixture list.
Klopp Knows Best
Klopp stunned supporters with his selection choices for the 2019 Merseyside derby, but the German showed why he is one of the best managers in the world.
Salah, Henderson and Firmino got some well-deserved rest ahead of a tough period of fixtures and their replacements were brilliant.
Klopp raved about their performances after the game.
“The boys [coming in] delivering like they did, it’s the best feeling you can get as a manager,” the German manager told reporters after the game. “It was really good, helped us not only get the three points, but the boys know now how good they are. If they play and deliver like they did tonight, it’s an important sign.”
For Klopp, this game was significant as it was his 100th win in the Premier League, and supporters will be hoping that they witness at least 100 more, even if that means some bizarre lineups.
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