Five key statistics from Liverpool’s Merseyside Derby victory over Everton

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50 and 75 mins- the first shots on target for both sides

The shots on target statistics reflect just how this game was going. It was a battle in the centre of the park as both teams struggled for control of the midfield, rather than a game wrought with end-to-end action and clear-cut chances. The first effort on target came from Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino in the 50th minute, when he drew a save from Maarten Stekelenburg with a left-footed effort after being fed by James Milner.

That was the second-longest wait for an effort on target in a Premier League match this season, the longest coming in Swansea’s match with Sunderland earlier this month, where the first shot on target arrived in the 51st minute.

Everton however were even more guilty of profligacy in front of goal. It took right up until the 75th minute for them to draw Simon Mignolet into action, after the Belgian was equal to Ashley Williams’ headed effort after he connected well with Ross Barkley’s free-kick into the box. For the Toffees, that would be the only effort on target they would manage, and it reflected the insufficient support they provided to forward Romelu Lukaku throughout.