#3 Everton lack penetration but Pennington punishes Liverpool’s set-piece weakness
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All through the first-half, Everton tried to build the play through passes but ended up facing a resolute Liverpool defence led by Dejan Lovren who was absolutely magnificent, especially in the way he dominated Premier League’s in-form striker Romelu Lukaku. Along with Lovren, Lucas put on a great shift in front of the defence, matching the pace of the game and providing a calm head to counter Everton’s threat.
However, the goal arrived for Everton and it was from a familiar Liverpool weakness. Everton won a corner and from the resulting cross, Phil Jagielka showed greater desire to win the first header at the near post and young Matthew Pennington put the ball in the net to punish the home side’s passive defending. It was a moment to remember for the youngster as it was his first derby for the Toffees and his goal brought Everton level in the first-half.
It was his inexperience however that was exposed by Coutinho for the latter’s goal as the Everton man allowed Coutinho to cut on the inside and put Liverpool back in front. While he can take solace from the fact that he was beaten by a player back to his brilliant best, Ronald Koeman will understand how important it was to stay level till half-time.
Everton threatened through Ashley Williams from a set-piece in the second-half and through a couple of crosses, but could not bring Lukaku into the game and therefore struggled to score.
