Here is your Liverpool morning digest for Tuesday, February 13.
What happened to Jordan Pickford set tone for Liverpool
Sometimes it doesn’t take much. This latest parochial spat was still in its infancy when Jordan Henderson, making his first start in five games, chased down a dawdling Jordan Pickford inside the Everton penalty area, writes Ian Doyle.
The visiting goalkeeper just about got his clearance away before Henderson sent him tumbling to the turf. The Kop roared its approval and broke into a chant saluting the Liverpool skipper.
Moments later, Henderson prompted more cheers when popping up at the other end to nick the ball off the toes of Amadou Onana as the Everton midfielder threatened to break into the home box.
READ MORE: What Virgil van Dijk told Cody Gakpo before scoring first goal for Liverpool against Everton
LFC RATINGS: Stefan Bajcetic and two others shine in win over Everton
They may have only been two minor skirmishes in a game littered with many. But the snapshots highlighted the pressing and intensity that has been missing for much of the calendar year for Liverpool, setting the tone evident throughout this much-improved performance.
Speaking last week ahead of this 242nd Merseyside derby, Jurgen Klopp had been irked by questions concerning the skipper, even though they raised the valid point the player had perhaps been feeling the effects of having made 91 appearances since the start of last season. The Reds boss views failing as a collective, even if Henderson appeared refreshed from his recent spell on the bench.
The whole midfield, then, deserves credit. Fabinho, another recalled to the engine room in the absence of the crocked Thiago Alcantara after poor form had seen him deservedly dropped, was far more comfortable on his 200th Liverpool outing both with his positioning and use of the ball.
But the standout was Stefan Bajcetic, the teenager – making a fifth consecutive start – again grasping the opportunity made available by the failings of his more senior colleagues.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville blast Jordan Pickford for Liverpool opener
Jamie Carragher has slammed Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his role in Liverpool's opening goal during the Merseyside derby.
Jurgen Klopp's side are looking to pick up their first Premier League win of the calendar year and they had Mohamed Salah to thank for going in at the break 1-0 in front after an incisive counter-attack was poked home by the 30-year-old Egyptian.
Seconds separated James Tarkowski's header hitting the post fort Everton and Darwin Nunez's left-footed cross being met by Salah for his eighth Premier League goal of the season.
Nunez and Salah combined before the Uruguayan raced ahead, holding off the challenges of Seamus Coleman and then Idrissa Gueye. Nunez then crossed the ball into the box and Salah tapped in with Pickford caught in no man's land.
Carragher, as well as his fellow Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, was highly critical of the England No.1. The Liverpool legend said: "They get a bit of fortune, reminiscent of the Arsenal game, but this time Tarkowski hits the post, and then they leave themselves short. We’ve said at times Everton can’t cope with counter-attacks, and Nunez’s pace and delivery is fantastic.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
READ NEXT:
- Jurgen Klopp sends Fabinho message after 'not cool' Thiago Alcantara injury news for Liverpool
- Touching moment Liverpool and Everton fans pay tribute to James Bulger during Merseyside derby at Anfield
- Will Ferrell didn't think he'd be invited back to Anfield ahead of return to Liverpool for Merseyside derby
- 'Hard enough to say' - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finally confirms Liverpool rumour Manchester United fans will hate
- Liverpool insider hints at huge Nike plans after perfect timing from LeBron James
