This undoubtedly wasn’t how Kostas Tsimikas envisioned Liverpool to begin life, at least for the time being, without Andy Robertson.
With the Scot expected to be out until the New Year, Tsimikas was handed only a sixth Premier League start in 12 months, only for it to be cut short after barely an hour with the Greece international sacrificed as Liverpool toiled to break down a depleted Everton.
Before then, Tsimikas had been defensively solid enough but too often loose in possession and guilty of giving away fouls too cheaply. Fitful at best.
Intriguing, then, was how, after a brief spell of Luis Diaz as wing-back, Joe Gomez impressed during his late cameo on the left flank. Jurgen Klopp had namechecked the England international as a possible alternative to the crocked Robertson, and this showing, along with his general good form this campaign, was further evidence of that being a realistic option.
The other position in which there has been a perennial question mark, defensive midfield, saw Alexis Mac Allister targeted early on by Everton. However, the Argentine – one of three derby debutants for the Reds – settled and, while he isn’t the long-term answer in the role, his perceptive pass through to send Darwin Nunez away to set up Liverpool’s second goal showed what he’s all about.
Matip issues Konate challenge
In terms of false dawns, it couldn’t have come much earlier in the day. Only 36 seconds had gone when Dominic Calvert-Lewin reached a cross from Dwight McNeil ahead of Virgil van Dijk but planted his header straight at Alisson Becker.
Van Dijk, it seemed, was in for a tough afternoon. But come full-time, not only had the Liverpool captain safely tucked Calvert-Lewin in his pocket, there was also room for Everton substitutes Beto and Youssef Chermiti.
This was the Dutchman at his dominant best. No player won more aerial challenges, completed more tackles or made more clearances for Liverpool, while his composure and ability on the ball allowed the Reds to maintain a high line and keep Everton hemmed in second half. Indeed, Van Dijk was one of four Liverpool players to have in excess of 100 touches as the Reds enjoyed 77% possession.
Alongside the skipper, Ibrahima Konate was restored to a Premier League starting line-up for the first time since August, but wasn’t quite as convincing and could easily have been dismissed before being wisely hooked shortly afterwards.
And the impressive outing of his replacement, Joel Matip, offered compelling proof the Cameroonian is the best centre-back partner for Van Dijk at present. Not since 1976 have Liverpool kept four successive clean sheets in the league against their neighbours.
Salah keeps them coming
Even Klopp had to admit Mohamed Salah has had better afternoons. But being off form doesn’t stop the Egyptian making the difference – and racking up the records. Salah’s two goals made him the first Liverpool player to score in each of the opening four home games of a league season since Peter Beardsley in 1990.
He now was 105 strikes at Anfield, moving him above Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard into sixth place in Liverpool’s all-time home scorers list. It also took Salah beyond 200 league goals in his career.
The second was laid on by Nunez, who, with Cody Gakpo still not fit enough for action, was the odd man out in the attack by beginning on the bench; Klopp perhaps mindful of the cramp he suffered in helping Uruguay beat Brazil in midweek..
His subsequent fitful display appeared to justify that call until his injury-time contribution, when he extended his record to having scored or assisted in five of his last six Premier League outings, with a total of 12 goal involvements in 15 appearances for club and country this season. Nunez is knocking hard for an instant recall.
