EPL 2020: Liverpool forced to wait after ‘cruel’ end to Everton game
Liverpool need two wins to claim their first Premier League title in 30 years, but their pursuit was briefly halted after a “bizarre” match.
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After three months of inaction, Liverpool’s Premier League title pursuit has been temporarily halted with an unconvincing 0-0 draw against bitter rivals Everton on Monday morning.
The Reds only require two wins to secure their first Premier League title in 30 years, but for the second time this season were unable to muster a goal in 90 minutes.
Both sides were visibly rusty after the coronavirus lockdown — although plenty of scoring chances were on offer, neither club could capitalise.
Everton almost unearthed a goal in the 80th minute, when midfielder Tom Davies’ unbalanced shot struck the left upright after a stellar save from Alisson Becker.
Alisson was alert again to deny fellow Brazilian Richarlison de Andrade as the game came to life in the closing stages.
“The players are rusty,” Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin said.
“It was a strange game. It was bizarre with a game of this magnitude. Usually the place is bouncing and it was hard to get used to at first.”
I can live with a point, but that cruel post off the Davies chance is gonna haunt me. #EFC #COYB
— Casey Shea (@SheaVedIce) June 21, 2020
Feeling for Tom Davies there, what a career goal that would have been for him... The deflection was so crucial there #EVELIV
— Konstantinos Lianos (@LianosKostas) June 21, 2020
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The Blues have not defeated Liverpool in their past 22 Premier League matches, their most recent win coming in October 2010 when Australian Tim Cahill mustered a goal in a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park.
Both sides will take a point from Monday’s encounter, and Liverpool fans will have to wait a bit longer before celebrations can commence.
Fans were understandably denied access to the lacklustre affair, which pushed the competition leaders 23 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
If you can take ONE positive from that Liverpool game, it's that thankfully no-one had to pay in to witness it! 😂😂#EVELIV
— Sean Hegarty (@Sean_Hegarty) June 21, 2020
Despite bags of possession, I’ll take an #LFC point given Everton had the best chance of a lacklustre match. Reds really lacking the creative spark & fluency required in the front third. Can only hope it was the run out needed to get rid of rustiness & finish the job. #EVELIV
— Rob Greenwood (@robgreenwood1) June 21, 2020
That was woeful! #EVELIV
— Dom Newton (@newcol) June 21, 2020
“Everyone is just happy to be back,” Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk said.
“We didn’t lose and it is another point towards our goal.”
With eight games remaining, Liverpool has considerable breathing space to end the drought and win their first domestic championship since 1990.
After a 103-day wait to return to league action, Liverpool’s attacking potency had been neutered with Mohamed Salah not fit enough to come off the bench. Liverpool great Jamie Carragher explained the impact Salah’s absense has on the team.
“The front three are as good as anyone in Europe but whenever one of them is out, there is a massive drop off,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“When Liverpool dropped points at Manchester United, Salah wasn’t playing. That’s why Liverpool need to strengthen the front three.”
Despite enjoying 70 per cent possession the champions-elect managed just three shots on target, which was the same number as their opponents, but their hosts definitely had the better opportunities.
The search for a goal saw Joel Matip’s header go wide in the first half and Fabinho having a free kick tipped over by Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford late on.
“Physically it was really intense. I’ll take that,” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said.
“We didn’t have enough chances. Most of the time we were dominant but they had the biggest chance.”
With five points required to secure the coveted title, Liverpool will take on Crystal Palace on Wednesday morning before facing Manchester City on July 3rd.
— With AP
Originally published as EPL 2020: Liverpool forced to wait after ‘cruel’ end to Everton game