After a morale-boosting win over title contenders Arsenal in the week, Everton went into the 227th Merseyside derby last night full of confidence and with a realistic chance of winning their first game against Liverpool since a 2-0 victory back in 2010.
Liverpool, on the other hand, went into the match aiming to build on their competent away win against Middlesbrough after taking only one point from six on offer the week before after their dramatic 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth followed by a draw against West Ham.
The hosts started the game with a high tempo, pushing Liverpool back from the start as Koeman looked to impose a high-press tactic to suffocate their opponents in possession, but there were no real chances of note in an even game.
Liverpool began to look the stronger side after the break, with Maarten Stekelenburg saving well from Roberto Firmino before being replaced by Joel Robles mid-way through the half through injury.
Firmino then tested Robles, who saved well, before the main talking point when Everton midfielder Ross Barkley sparked angry scenes after he lunged into Jordan Henderson’s ankle late, only receiving a yellow card for what was undeniably a red card challenge.
As the game entered its’ 94th minute, substitute Daniel Sturridge dragged a shot against the post and Sadio Mane reacted quickest to break Everton hearts and lift the Reds back up to second in the table.
Over the next few pages we explore what we learnt from the game.