Everton 2-2 Liverpool – Calvert-Lewin rescues a crucial derby day draw for Ancelotti
Fireworks were expected, with league leaders Everton going up against defending champions Liverpool. That is exactly what everyone got. The game ended two goals apiece, there was a red card and a stoppage-time goal overturned by VAR. Everton somehow kept their hold on the game for long enough against Liverpool to get a share of the spoils.
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the lead twice but Michael Keane and Calvert-Lewin equalised twice. Everton had to live the last few minutes nervously with 10 men and a possible goal was ruled out marginally by VAR. In the end, it was a fair result for both teams.
Everton Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford (GK) – 7
Much maligned for his performances, Pickford looked quite assured in goal this time. Made a string of great saves to keep the game balanced. Was helpless to prevent those two goals and actually very lucky to not be sent off for a lunge on Virgil Van Dijk.
Seamus Coleman (RB) – 5
Taken off just at the half-hour mark. Did not keep Mane in check during his time on the pitch.
Michael Keane (CB) – 8
Scored the first equaliser and was a solid presence at the back.
Yerry Mina (CB) – 5
His error led to Salah scoring Liverpool’s second. Was not very reliable through the game.
Lucas Digne (LB) – 8
Dealt well with Salah and was also at his attacking best with the assist for Calvert-Lewin.
Allan (CDM) – 6
Not great, but was not bad either. Played a couple of awry passes but did his defensive duties well.
Abdoulaye Doucoure (RCM) – 6
Solid and powerful performance in the midfield. Went toe to toe with Liverpool players and often outmuscled them easily.
Andre Gomes (LCM) – 6
Industrious as always but his shooting looked unusually off the mark today.
James Rodriguez (RW) – 8
Rodriguez has continued on his good form as he laid on the corner from which Keane scored. His passing was delightful to watch as always.
Richarlison (LW) – 5
The only reason the Brazilian gets such a rating is for his unnecessary tackle on Thiago and the subsequent sending off. Managed to hit the post once and had to do a lot more work in his own half.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST) – 8
There are few players who are operating at Calvert-Lewin’s level. Scored the all-important equaliser despite not providing much throughout the game.
Substitutes
Ben Godfrey – 7
Dealt with Mane quite well since replacing Coleman. Combined well with Rodriguez on a few occasions.
Alex Iwobi – N/A
Brought on in the final 10 mins and didn’t provide much of note.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 6
Played a few neat passes but another player who didn’t quite do much after coming on.
