Merseyside derby can provide Everton with another turning point this season

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The Merseyside derby is always an enormous game for Everton but the two installments of the 2018/19 campaign may just come to define their entire season.

Before December’s meeting at Anfield, Marco Silva’s revolution was taking shape. Richarlison was offering a goal threat, Andre Gomes looked a Champions League player and the Toffees approached the match accordingly.

Liverpool had their chances but so did Everton, showcasing an assurance on the ball they have rarely shown in derbies of recent years, putting in a performance that would have made them good value for the 0-0 draw they looked set to procure as the game ticked into its final moments.

But Jordan Pickford failed to deal with Virgil van Dijk’s shot and Everton lost the match in the most heart-breaking of circumstances.

The nature of that defeat derailed Everton’s season. Poise and assurance made way for a period of flimsy defending and insipid home displays, so bad that Silva’s job security was a constant discussion point.

But Sunday’s 0-0 draw with the Reds can now act as a belated counter-balance. Everton were spiky, energetic and resolute and Goodison Park responded with a raucous atmosphere.

That performance and result can act as a positive turning point in Silva’s reign; getting back on track and offering those supporters hope for next season and beyond – that they have the right man in charge to create long-term change.

Sunday’s draw must now be built upon in the closing weeks of the season and allowed to be as positive an effect as the December defeat was negative – as Silva kicks his Goodison tenure into gear once again.