Football isn’t about justice – it’s about making the most of the opportunities you’re given. Everton come away from Anfield with an undeserved 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby, as Liverpool took the lead through a Steven Gerrard free kick, but a stunning Phil Jagielka equalizer in the 91st minute meant both teams remain in the bottom half of the table.
Liverpool played with one attack (Mario Balotelli), supported by Raheem Sterling and Lazar Markovic. Liverpool seemed to find creating chances a bit easier thanks to their formation and improved performances from Adam Lallana and Markovic, while Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard did a very good job in sweeping the defensive midfield when necessary.
Everton are known this season for the goals they score and also those they concede. Roberto Martinez took a more cautious approach as the Toffees visited a ground they haven’t won at since 1999, and got Tim Howard as his MVP, being very alert, most of them from long range shots by Mario Balotelli and others.
This wasn’t a brilliant Liverpool display as they continue to struggle, with Philippe Coutinho coming on in the 60th minute, Four minutes later, a free kick from 20 meters was another example of how good Gerrard still is when it comes to set pieces, and his superiority over Balotelli in that area.
Howard made an amazing save two minutes later and denied a 100% goal for Mario Balotelli after more fantastic work from Raheem Sterling, who did a very good job on the left wing, without having anyone to provide a clinical finishing touch in the middle once again. Rickie Lambert came on for Balotelli to waste time, and Liverpool were punished for their tactics.
Never go back and settle for the small win. Everton pressed for about three or four minutes, benefiting from their daring, as Phil Jagielka was left unmarked on the edge of the box to rocket the ball into the top net, scoring a crucial goal and also one of the best we’ll see this season.
