Everton secured an unlikely away point at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders has told TalkSPORT that Everton defender Ashley Williams would have been delighted before the Merseyside derby against Liverpool after seeing the Reds’ team sheet.
Jurgen Klopp decided to make six changes to his Liverpool side to face bitter rivals Everton at Anfield, which saw the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum drop to the substitutes’ bench.
Liverpool failed to make their chances pay despite Mo Salah handing the Reds the lead, as the likes of Sadio Mane missed guilt-edged opportunities to extend their lead. Wayne Rooney made them pay, scoring from the penalty spot.
Former Swansea City defender Williams started the game alongside Mason Holgate at centre-back and Saunders claimed that the team sheet for Sunday’s match would have delighted the Wales international.
“I like him [Klopp], and he’s doing a really good job for Liverpool and they’re going in the right direction,” Saunders said. “If you make six changes you leave yourself wide open to criticism.
“If you’re Ashley Williams, no disrespect to Dom Solanke, Williams wouldn’t say it but deep down he’s thinking he is delighted that Firmino is not playing, delighted Coutinho is not playing. Sam Allardyce would also be delighted.”
Williams impressed at centre-back throughout the game, significantly upping his game at Goodison Park since the arrival of manager Sam Allardyce as Ronald Koeman’s successor.
The 33-year-old is expected to start once again on Wednesday night as Everton go up against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, as Allardyce looks to make it four games unbeaten as Toffees boss.
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