This derby was a golden opportunity spurned for Everton to break a winless streak at Anfield that stretches back to 1999Jürgen Klopp had hinted he might be daring with his team selection, and with nine changes and a handful of debuts the
Liverpool manager did not disappoint. The question before kick-off at Anfield was whether the coollest manager in the
Premier League had really picked a side to ramp up the pressure on Everton even more, by presenting them with callow opposition they ostensibly ought to beat, or whether Klopp was simply interested in avoiding a replay at all costs.
Carlo Ancelotti’s comments pre-match that Everton’s performance would have to be perfect was based on the assumption they would be facing the world champions and runaway league leaders, not an assortment of teenagers and reserves who lost a father figure in James Milner after a mere six minutes. On this evidence though it must be admitted that behind Liverpool’s extremely settled and successful first team is a raft of hugely impressive talent on the way up.