Liverpool ground out a 1-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby on Monday. Many are stating that the Reds showed championship quality in getting the all-important three points by not playing really good football.
Sadio Mane scored the only goal of the game in the 95th minute and what was even more surprising is the fact that the Reds kept yet another clean sheet. This was the second in succession and they achieved this feat without their best defender this season, Joel Matip.
The Cameroon star hasn’t played for the side since the 2-2 draw against West Ham. The Reds have kept the opposition out in their last two games but the fear of Matip needing surgery for his ankle injury was shot down by the German manager.
Speaking to the media after the win, Jurgen Klopp stated:
“It’s just a case of time. There will be no surgery, there is not even a risk of it. It is only about resting the injury or not.
“Try it every day or give it a few days. That is what we already did. Against West Ham it was possible to play but then against Middlesbrough it was not.
“For Bournemouth he was involved in the squad and then we made the decision [not to play him]. It’s in the moment,” the German manager added.
Liverpool show grit without Matip
The fact that Liverpool have looked alright in defence in their last two games certainly shows that Jurgen Klopp has learned from his past lessons. Ragnar Klavan has looked exceptional in the heart of the defence and the Estonian was the best player for the Reds against Everton.
Lucas was not played as the starting centre-back and that did pay dividends in the end. Matip was brought on a free transfer from Schalke at the start of the season and the 25-year-old has been incredible for the Merseyside club.
His leadership is often missed at the back but the decision to play Klavan certainly has helped Liverpool gain more experience in their defence. Also, bringing back Simon Mignolet in between the sticks has been another decision that is paying off, at least in the short term.
Liverpool playw Stoke City at Anfield on Tuesday before they face Manchester City in what is going to be an incredible clash before the start of the New Year. The Reds will be hopeful of similar performances to that which took place at Goodison Park and hopefully they can make it to the top of the table come the end of the season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRLNUZCbUDc
