A Late Bit Of Magic And Luck Turn Merseyside Red

Liverpool and Everton on a Monday night.  As fans of either side would say, there could be nothing better than to have the spotlight to themselves for the 227th Merseyside Derby.

It would be a contentious game, but a fun one.  Neutrals might not have gotten much enjoyment out of it, but it was a solid rivalry game as opposed to some of the ones we have seen in recent memory.

It was a very slow build for either team, despite the energy pouring forth from each player.  In the 37th minute, the first real chance came for Liverpool.  After a great passing buildup, including a dummy run by Mane, the pass was too far behind Origi.  He lifted it high and wide even from in close to goal, but there was little opportunity for him to do much else with it.

Conversely, Liverpool were fortunate not to concede in the 44th minute.  Funes Mori was not defended during a corner kick and the Reds got lucky he did not put a powerful header on target.

Liverpool came alive, a bit, in the 50th minute.  A miscue at the back could not be capitalized as Maarten Steklenburg made a save and then the Reds kept scrambling but could not get that final ball toward net.

It is unfortunate that Liverpool don't have more of an aerial presence.  When Everton's goalkeeper got hurt, it would have been the perfect time to just flight balls into the box.  Instead, the Reds gained no advantage from him staying on for a minute or two and gave Everton a chance to make the change and get Joel Robles warmed up.

Midway through the second half, Ross Barkley should have been red carded for his challenge on Jordan Henderson.  Hendo was lucky not to be more injured.  As an official, I understand the yellow, but on replay (if officials had the luxury) it would have been a sending off.

The chances began to come a bit more often for the Reds later on.  Roberto Firmino failed to convert a bicycle kick in the 77th minute.

It would have been almost impossible to get his foot on as the cross didn't have enough air under it by the time it got to the Brazilian.  Then he almost broke the deadlock in the 80th minute with a fantastic volley from the penalty spot.  Unfortunately, Robles was up to the task, diving to his left and getting palms to it.

Just when it seemed all was gone and the Reds would have to settle for a point against another inferior opponent, they found that bit of magic.  Second half substitute Daniel Sturridge found his way past a couple defenders and sent a slow roller toward net.

It beat Robles but clanged off the post.  Sadio Mane managed to get to it before the lunging goalkeeper and pop it in in the fourth minute of added time.  The Reds almost had another when Firmino went five hole on Robles, but Ronald Coleman spoiled it with a fantastic sliding block on the line.

In the end, it was a fantastic win even if the team did not dominate the way they could have.  As far as rivalry games go, it was a solid match for both sides.  Those are the ones you love to win.  When your opponent did enough to deserve a point and you crush their spirits, it's very satisfying.

Liverpool didn't play their best by any stretch.  When you get three points though, it all gets cleaned in the wash.

This is the game that the Reds have not been winning in recent weeks.  They dropped a terrible result to Bournemouth and then managed a disappointing draw with West Ham.  To finally win a match they have struggled to finish off in recent form is quite the relief.

Now Liverpool must keep that form going against teams they have to beat.  You're going to have big wins or tough losses against the top of the table, but it's those middle and lower teams where you must get the three points.

Random Thoughts:

- I am not one of those that has continually bashed Dejan Lovren.  Given his skill set, I think he has performed as well as can be expected most days with the obvious exception here and there.  That said, I have been rather impressed with Ragnar Klavan.  I'm not sure an injury should keep Joel Matip out of the lineup once healthy, so maybe a combo of Klavan and Matip would work nicely in the center.

- Given their form, when healthy, it is almost impossible not to have a front three of Firmino, Coutinho and Mane.  That said, the bit of magic Sturridge can muster when he is on his game is hard to keep on the bench.  It's a pity that he has been so injury prone.  Someone with his skill should never have been taken out of the lineup, though we all know why it happened and nobody can complain that it did happen.

- In your too much information of the day, I managed to miss the blasted goal.  Just when I decided nobody was going to score, I went to use the bathroom.  Of course, moments later I can hear Arlo White screaming about Mane's winner.  What can you do?

- Given Liverpool's defensive woes, it seems unlikely they can truly mount a challenge for the league.  The win at least gives them a chance since they will be second in the table during Christmas.  That means they don't have to worry about vaulting over teams, but can rather worry about their own results and hope Chelsea falter in the second half.

Walk On