Everton can be proud of defensive effort vs Liverpool, the stats prove why
David Moyes had plenty of positives to take from his Everton team’s performance against Liverpool on Saturday.
Everton were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool at Anfield, but remained competitive throughout, pushing Arne Slot’s team right to the final whistle.
Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike had the Reds ahead early in the game, but the Toffees emerged swinging from the break, finding a goal back through Idrissa Gueye.
Danny Murphy was among those impressed by Everton’s response, which could have earned them a point had it been for better decision-making in the final third.
Defensive mistakes ultimately cost Moyes’ side, however, with Wayne Rooney slamming James Tarkowski for two lapses in judgement.
Everton restrict Liverpool at Anfield
Jarrad Branthwaite looked likely to return against Liverpool, but Moyes instead chose to stick with the two of Michael Keane and Tarkowski.
The former was impressive against Aston Villa, but was guilty of getting sucked out of position in the build-up to Gravenberch’s opener.
Tarkowski, too, was dragged out of position on several early occasions, allowing the Liverpool attack space within the box.
But following the early goals, Everton wised up, and can be proud of their defensive performance.
| Liverpool at Anfield – Premier League (2021-) | Expected goals (xG) |
| Liverpool v Arsenal – 2025/26 | 0.52 |
| Liverpool v Aston Villa – 2022/23 | 0.75 |
| Liverpool v Manchester City – 2021/22 | 0.89 |
| Liverpool v Everton – 2025/26 | 0.93 |
| Liverpool v Nottingham Forest – 2024/25 | 0.96 |
In fact, according to Statmuse, on Saturday Liverpool recorded their fourth-lowest tally of expected goals at Anfield in the Premier League since 2021.
Across all 38 Premier League games last season, Slot’s side recorded a lower expected goals tally than they did against Everton, 0.93, only twice.
The Toffees also reduced Liverpool to just 11 shots, something only matched at Anfield by the opposition on two occasions in the league last season.
David Moyes will be pleased with team performance
Whilst the defence will claim much of the credit for Everton’s performance at Anfield on Saturday, praise should be distributed throughout the team.
Pressing from the front, energy in midfield, and aggressive defending are all integral parts of delivering such a restrictive performance against such a dangerous team.
Yes, Everton lost the game. But Moyes will have been extremely happy to see his team take to his instructions and stand up against the pressure, in a place where very few do so.
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