Liverpool were 1-0 winners over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Liverpool claimed outright second place for Christmas in the Premier League thanks to Sadio Mane’s late winner against Everton at Goodison Park.
Mane was the quickest to pounce in stoppage time after Daniel Sturridge’s shot hit the post, as the Reds made it back-to-back wins, and clean sheets, to ensure they are six points behind league leaders Chelsea as the season approaches the halfway point.
It was not the prettiest of games – these clashes rarely are – but Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to find a way to win to keep themselves in touch with the top.
So what was there to learn following last night’s game? Here are a few thoughts:
Liverpool are learning to win 1-0
This is an obvious one as you can look at the scoreline as clear evidence. The usual pundit line that was trotted out was that Liverpool were able to blow sides away but were they capable of digging out results and winning 1-0? They may not do it regularly – with this being their first 1-0 win since the first leg of their Europa League tie with Augsburg back in February.
There was no sense of Liverpool blowing Everton away here; they soaked up pressure and grew into the game and eventually got their reward.
Defensive structure is positive regardless of personnel
Their defence has come in for a lot of criticism this season – perhaps rightly so given this was just their fifth clean sheet in the Premier League this season. But Everton had only one shot on target – and that was a tame header!
While there should be focus on the bluntness of the Toffees going forward, it is not the first time Liverpool as a unit have been able to keep scoring chances of their opponents down to a minimum this season.
Some pointed to Joel Matip as being the main reason for that, but the partnership of Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan has been equally as effective in the past couple of games. There appears to be an effective structure. Yes, it can be prone to something of a wobble but the signs have been there that Liverpool are getting a bit meaner at the back.
Daniel Sturridge’s return is timely
Sturridge’s injury problems can be the source of frustration; more so given the talent he has at his disposal. But anyone doubting his value should watch his role in the winning goal over and over again.
He could find half a yard of space to get the shot away when Liverpool needed him most. Ultimately it led to three points. Who knows how crucial that could prove to be come May?
Having a strong bench to call upon is going to be crucial
You could link this to the third point on Sturridge. In recent weeks, Klopp has been unable – or at least reluctant – to change the game from the bench due to a lack of attacking options.
The Reds boss had Ben Woodburn and Ovie Ejaria as his main options going forward in recent weeks, but this time he was able to call on Sturridge and Emre Can.
A bit more experience and quality is welcome for Klopp; Liverpool cannot win trophies this season with just a good first XI. The youngsters will get their chance, but having players who can change the game from the bench will be a big factor over the course of a whole campaign.
A possible end to the bumpy run
In recent weeks you can say that Liverpool have been through a sticky patch with the dramatic defeat to Bournemouth and the draw with West Ham United. The comprehensive defeat of Middlesbrough suggests that it had come to an end but the win over Everton cements it. There will have been talk about a sticky run of form for the Reds had they not overcome their neighbours and fallen eight points behind in the title race.
Not so now, and Liverpool will look to maintain the momentum over Christmas.
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