On November 23, 2013, Everton hosted Liverpool at Goodison Park for the Merseyside Derby in the Premier League. In an enthralling contest, the match ended in a 3-3 draw, with both teams showing attacking intent and producing a dramatic, action-packed encounter.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Everton: 3 (Kevin Mirallas 8′, Romelu Lukaku 72′, 82′)
- Liverpool: 3 (Philippe Coutinho 5′, Luis Suárez 19′, Daniel Sturridge 89′)
- Possession:
- Liverpool had 51% possession, while Everton had 49%, with both teams contributing to a fiercely competitive and open contest. The balance in possession reflected the end-to-end nature of the match, as both teams looked to attack whenever possible.
- Shots:
- Everton registered 18 shots, with 9 on target, while Liverpool managed 13 shots, with 7 on target. Both sides created plenty of chances, and the quality of finishing from both teams ensured a high-scoring affair.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Liverpool had a passing accuracy of 84%, completing 397 passes out of 471 attempts. Everton had a passing accuracy of 81%, completing 379 passes out of 468 attempts. Both teams played with a fast tempo, resulting in intense midfield battles and quick transitions from defense to attack.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Everton made 22 tackles compared to Liverpool’s 18, reflecting the physical nature of the Merseyside Derby. Both defenses were tested frequently, but Romelu Lukaku’s physical presence caused problems for Liverpool, particularly in the second half.
- Set Pieces:
- Liverpool opened the scoring in the 5th minute when Philippe Coutinho finished from close range following a corner. Everton equalized just three minutes later through Kevin Mirallas, who scored after a scramble in the box. Luis Suárez restored Liverpool’s lead in the 19th minute with a stunning free-kick from 30 yards. Everton equalized again in the 72nd minute through Romelu Lukaku, who converted after a corner. Lukaku then scored his second goal of the match with a header from another corner in the 82nd minute, giving Everton a 3-2 lead. However, Daniel Sturridge rescued a point for Liverpool with a header in the 89th minute, meeting a Steven Gerrard free-kick.
- Individual Performances:
- Romelu Lukaku was Everton’s standout player, scoring twice and constantly troubling Liverpool’s defense with his strength and aerial ability. Kevin Mirallas was also influential, scoring the first goal and creating chances throughout the match. For Liverpool, Luis Suárez was again pivotal, scoring a brilliant free-kick and consistently threatening Everton’s defense. Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge also made significant contributions, with Coutinho opening the scoring and Sturridge salvaging a late draw.
- Tactical Overview:
- Everton, under Roberto Martínez, played a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on using the physicality of Lukaku and the pace of Mirallas to exploit Liverpool’s defense. Liverpool, managed by Brendan Rodgers, set up in a 4-3-3 formation, using the fluidity of their attacking trio of Suárez, Coutinho, and Sturridge to stretch Everton’s defense. Both teams pressed aggressively, leading to a high-paced, open match.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, including a controversial one for Kevin Mirallas in the 34th minute for a dangerous high tackle on Luis Suárez, which many felt could have warranted a red card. The other yellow cards were shown to Steven Gerrard, James McCarthy, and Joe Allen for fouls committed during the intense derby.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Liverpool won 5 corners compared to Everton’s 10, with Everton’s dominance in set pieces proving key, as two of their goals came from corners. Both teams were caught offside twice, as they pushed for attacking opportunities.
Summary
The 3-3 draw between Everton and Liverpool was a thrilling, high-energy Merseyside Derby that saw both teams exchange blows in a pulsating contest. Philippe Coutinho gave Liverpool an early lead, but Everton quickly responded through Kevin Mirallas. Luis Suárez’s magnificent free-kick put Liverpool back in front, but Romelu Lukaku’s two second-half goals seemed to have won the game for Everton. However, Daniel Sturridge’s late header salvaged a point for Liverpool, ensuring the derby ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Romelu Lukaku was the standout player for Everton, while Luis Suárez’s free-kick was a moment of brilliance for Liverpool. The result left both teams sharing the points, though the match was a spectacle that encapsulated the intensity and rivalry of the Merseyside Derby.
This draw kept Liverpool in contention for a top-four finish, while Everton’s strong performance underlined their ambitions of challenging for European places.
