Everton 2-2 Liverpool: 5 Hits and Flops as VAR drama denies Jurgen Klopp three points in exhilarating derby | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Flop - Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Roberto Firmino was not his influential self against Everton

Roberto Firmino's value to this Liverpool side is not a function of his statistical returns but the Brazilian forward does need to step up for his side this season. Firmino is generally praised for his link-up play but his first touch let him down far too often against Everton today.

Firmino is yet to score his first goal for Liverpool this season and has picked up only two assists in five Premier League games this season. The Brazilian has always been the glue that binds Liverpool's attack together but with his link-up play also growing increasingly predictable, Jurgen Klopp might ponder a change in the set-up.

Roberto Firmino did not produce a single shot on target against Everton.The third time he's failed to do so in the Premier League this season. pic.twitter.com/ZKP7MiBmt3

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 17, 2020

Liverpool ended the game with Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane on the pitch and while the former and the latter often found themselves in a clash of space, Klopp may well consider giving Firmino a rest for a few games in the Premier League.

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#2 Hit - Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Robertson had an excellent game

Andrew Robertson's presence on the left flank was a nightmare for Everton. The Scottish left-back was a livewire in the wide areas of the pitch and his pace and guile proved to be too much of a challenge for a static Everton defence.

Robertson was rarely troubled in his own half and took the attack to the Everton penalty area with frightening regularity. The Scotsman forced the issue in the opening stages of the game with an exceptional run that left Seamus Coleman reeling and handed Sadio Mane his goal on a silver platter.

Robertson continued to obliterate his flank and was arguably Liverpool's best player against Everton. With Trent Alexander-Arnold not at his best at the moment, Robertson's resurgence will certainly give the Liverpool defence plenty of confidence.

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#1 Flop - Andre Gomes (Everton)

Andre Gomes struggled against Liverpool

Andre Gomes had a shockingly poor game against Liverpool and struggled with his passing for Everton. The Portuguese maestro is usually one of the most reliable players in Carlo Ancelotti's Everton side but was outclassed by the supremely talented Thiago in the midfield today.

After a relatively frantic start to the game, Liverpool took control of the ball and denied Everton's midfielders a chance to unlock their defence. While Allan and Doucoure played their part and won the ball back on a few occasions, Andre Gomes failed to step up to the plate and failed to release Everton's attackers in the final third.

Andre Gomes is so very meh. Steams into tackles when he should sit, loves a wayward pass too. Turned over possession on 8/22 of his touches in the first half, more than Doucoure (5/27) and Allan (3/15)

— Tom Worville (@Worville) October 17, 2020

Everton struggled in the middle of the pitch and often lost the ball in key areas as Andre Gomes' first touch and passing range deserted him on several occasions. The Portuguese star is tasked with carrying the ball across the pitch for Everton and his dip in form will be a worrying sign for Carlo Ancelotti and Everton.

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