Toffees fail to capitalise on bright beginnings

After Ronald Koeman’s recent criticism that his side had been too lacklustre in their performances and were guilty of sluggish starts, it will have been a relief for the Dutchman to have seen his side hit the ground running against Liverpool on Monday night. Against the backdrop of a hostile and charged Goodison crowd, the Toffees pinned back the Reds deep inside their own half as they dominated the run of play. But the home side failed to convert this possession into goals. Chances were squandered, frustration mounted and by the end of the first half, Liverpool were back in the game. Having survived a turbulent opening half hour, the visitors grew increasingly constructive in their approach - Everton would later pay dearly for this.

Barkley continues to baffle

At 23, age is no longer an excuse for Ross Barkley. Once seen as Everton’s bright young thing, the Englishman has increasingly cut a peripheral figure at Goodison Park and has struggled to deliver on the potential he once promised as a teenager. Tonight’s performance encapsulated the Barkley dilemma. Here was a player who flashed with moments of brilliance but simultaneously frustrated with his mistakes. In the 24th minute, the English brought the ball under control on the left, spun inwards with a sharp turn before letting loose a low-driven shot that fizzed inches wide. It was an impressive passage of play that showcased what he’s capable of. But yet, careless mistakes peppered his game as he failed to convert nearly 50 per cent of his passes. A reckless challenge on Jordan Henderson in the second half, that could have arguably justified red, served as timely reminder of the frustration that now underpins the midfielder.

Barkley had a night to forget (Getty)

Form matters for nothing

Speaking ahead of Monday night’s clash, Ramiro Funes Mori was indeed right to suggest that form matters for nothing in a derby match. From the off, the Merseyside derby was defined by wild football, heavy challenges and grit. Tackles came thick and fast throughout the match as the tension reached boiling point on multiple occasions, with the likes of Barkley and Idrissa Gueye unafraid to throw their bodies behind the ball. As expected, the Everton faithful were relentless, visceral and unforgiving, rarely pausing for breath as it urged its team on – but their own efforts were not rewarded with the result they wanted. Despite the lack of quality and free-flowing football, it was an entertaining affair nonetheless. Once again, the Meryseyside derby proved that sometimes passion and heart can be enough to see through a victory.

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Coleman a shining light amid the chaos

The Irishman was one of Everton’s stand-out players in the opening 30 minutes as he harassed the Liverpool defence. Bombing forward down the right, Coleman repeatedly led the charge for the Toffees as he got the better of James Milner on more than one occasion. With his buccaneering runs and dangerous deliveries into the box, the right-back injected a degree of urgency which has been absent from Everton at times this season. The Irishman will feel aggrieved though that his side could not secure the first-half goal they so desperately sought.

Seamus Coleman in action for Everton (Getty)

Small errors cost Everton dear