Liverpool and Everton battled to a goalless draw Saturday afternoon at Goodison Park. The Liverpool locals were treated to an up-tempo match but, neither team could legally put a goal on the board. Everton did score but, the play was ruled offside by VAR.
Everton's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford was a human highlight reel of saves and was definitely the reason Liverpool couldn't score a goal. Alisson also made some spectacular saves as Everton were equal to Liverpool's attack today.
A Fiesty First Half
As you might expect, the Merseyside derby was a testy affair. This was exemplified by the play of Kostas Tsimikas in the first half. The Greek defender was a thorn in the side of Everton. Especially in the 26th minute when his tenacious play drew Anthony Gordon into a foul. The foul resulted in a free kick that ended up being a decent chance for the Reds.
Liverpool controlled the ball early but, Everton were more aggressive on the counterattack at points early in the match. Tom Davies would get Everton's best chance of the half. He hit the woodwork for the Blues in the 32nd minute off a broken play in front of the Liverpool net.
Liverpool would have to wait until the dying moments of the first half for their best chances. Pickford would make a great save on a shot off of Darwin Núñez's foot, which was then tipped off the crossbar before going out of play. On the ensuing corner, Luis Díaz would fire a screamer off the post. Despite all the chaos, there wasn't a goal to be had.
More Goalkeeping Magic in the 2nd Half
Liverpool made a raft of changes throughout the 2nd half and looked much more urgent on the attack. The first twenty minutes or so of the half simmered and then around the 64th minute boiled over. Pickford earned his man of the match nod with a series of 3 saves against an all-out Liverpool barrage.
The England goalkeeper would make two consecutive saves on Roberto Firmino. He would make it 3, stopping Fabinho from point-blank range from Andy Robertson's service on the ensuing corner. That save turned into a 5-on-3 rush the other way for the Blues.
Alisson would get in on the saves party by making one of his best against Neil Maupay at the end of that rush. Everton were not done. Minutes later, Conor Coady would knock in a Maupay cross for, what at the time, was the first and only goal of the match.
However, after a short review, VAR ruled that Coady was slightly offside. The only goal to go in the net then came off of the scoreboard. There would be other opportunities down the stretch but almost unbelievably there were none to be scored.
LFC Globe Verdict
Not all goalless draws are created equally. Most people think that a 0-0 match is automatically a boring one. In today's game, that just wasn't the case. Jordan Pickford made 8 saves. The Reds also hit either a post or the crossbar 3 more times. Liverpool could have had a at least half-dozen goals.
Alisson was not to be outdone on the other end. While he only had to make 3 saves, each one was vital. Everton really gave it to Liverpool at times today but, they are still winless on the season. Liverpool couldn't crack the Blues and they remain winless away from Anfield.