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Why Everton deserve criticism for derby defeat

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson clashes with Everton's Ross Barkley (REUTERS)
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Some people have been feeling sorry for Everton following their Merseyside derby defeat, but all that needs to stop.

The Merseyside derby on Monday was looming into the territory of being extremely dull, when an injury time winner from Sadio Mane brought the game up to a whole new level. Liverpool gradually wore their local rivals down to the point where they were able to hit a decisive blow late in the game.

But the problem is that some people are awarding Everton sympathy as opposed to criticising the faults. First of all, Williams’ inability to keep his eyes on the ball and react in the correct manner was not acceptable. Mane followed that ball as if it was the starting whistle of a 100m final, and his reaction time made Williams look foolish.

Liverpool's Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge in action with  Everton's Gareth Barry as Everton manager Ronald Koeman and Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp reactLiverpool’s Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge in action with Everton’s Gareth Barry as Everton manager Ronald Koeman and Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp react

Then you just need to look at their attitude throughout the entire 90 minutes. Their distinct lack of drive when going forward made it seem as if they were playing for the draw, and with all of the hype behind the game you’d think Koeman would have prepared better.

Liverpool are always going to be a hard side to break down, but the Toffees started to resort to hard challenges in order to try and assert their dominance. The whole game just felt off for Everton and it was a massive let down for their fans, who would have been expecting a competitive derby clash at the very least.

Everton manager Ronaldo KoemanEverton manager Ronaldo Koeman