Liverpool played a very unique game against their city rivals, Everton. The Reds eventually managed to win 2-0 but it was a very hard fought win for them in the end. The visitors were extremely disciplined, and freely let their opponents have the majority of possession.
So much so, that they ended the game with only 18 percent possession throughout. An even more interesting stat proves the kind of game that was played. Thiago played more passes than the entirety of Everton’s team, with the Spaniard’s 120 passes clear of the opposition’s 94 in 90 minutes.
Everton’s impressive low block leads to intriguing stats
Only Manchester City have had more possession in a Premier League game, with the Cityzens having 83% of the ball in 2018 against Swansea City.
According to Toffees boss Frank Lampard, the game plan was executed perfectly, even though they ended up losing the derby at Anfield:
‘I thought we played well, I don’t know what it looks like in terms of possession.
‘Of course, the game plan was understanding that they’re one of the best teams in the world.
‘What [they’ve been] doing to teams recently, I thought could we be disciplined and work hard within that… could we break and create chances? Yeah.
Everton managed to send Liverpool back on the counter attack several times. But, were unable to make anything of their chances on the pitch. Lampard took a page out of Diego Simeone’s book, as his men took towards time wasting tactics early on in the game. However, it would not deny Andy Robertson and Divock Origi their goals in the second half to take all three points.
