View: If you’re good enough, you’re old enough – Three things learned about Everton v Liverpool
There were definitely some great signs as Everton returned to Premier League action on Sunday evening with a 0-0 draw against runaway leaders Liverpool.
For the first hour, the Toffees struggled to get into the final third, but they made sure that the Reds couldn’t create many chances of their own.
Carlo Ancelotti will have been happy with his squad though and the level they competed at despite having a number of different injuries.
Anthony Gordon made his debut, and Tom Davies played in midfield alongside Andre Gomes who was a big doubt coming into the game.
It could have been a different story though. Everton had two great chances to win it in the final 10 minutes, Davies hitting the post after Richarlison was denied by fellow Brazilian Alisson.
That would have been the perfect end to the game, fans or no fans, Merseyside would have been well and truly blue.
Goodison News have picked out three things learned from the 0-0 draw…
1. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough
Eyebrows were raised when Ancelotti released his teamsheet with youngster Anthony Gordon making his debut in such a big game. The 19-year-old started quite slowly, but he definitely came into the game as it went on and he started to make things happen. In the first half, Everton had three shots on goal, Gordon created two of those chances, more than anyone on the entire pitch – impressive.
2. Ancelotti influence clear
If this game was played last season, there was a clear sense that Everton most likely would have been wiped aside easily by their rivals, just as they did back in the FA Cup defeat. That was the lowest point of this season, and the more time that Ancelotti has had with his squad, the better they have got. This break could have interrupted that progress, but the Blues definitely proved they have what it takes to succeed under Ancelotti.
3. Coleman leads from the front
Seamus Coleman had the armband against Liverpool, and he led from the front with a magnificent return to action after the lockdown. The 31-year-old has been switched with Djibril Sidibe frequently this season, only starting 15 games, but he definitely proved his worth on Sunday. Coleman made four tackles, two interceptions and three clearances according to WhoScored and that is what the Toffees needed against the league’s most dangerous clubs, what an example he has set.
In other Everton news, these Toffees fans have reacted to the performance of Anthony Gordon during his debut on Sunday