Mane miss was turning point
WAS IT A PENALTY?
THOMPSON — Yes. Lovren only has himself to blame. There was a slight shove. It was harsh, it was soft, but he got too close to Calvert-Lewin. He should have defended a yard further off because Calvert-Lewin was going away from goal. He’s given the striker the opportunity to go down and put the referee under pressure in front of Everton’s fans.
REID — Yes, without a doubt. You can’t take that risk of putting your hands on a player in that manner. Lovren was angry with the referee but I would suggest that is more born of frustration with his own poor decision-making.
DID KLOPP AND ALLARDYCE GET IT RIGHT?
THOMPSON — It’s very easy to criticise Jurgen for changing the team but I’ve not seen an easier derby game than this. Everton couldn’t get out of their half. The turning point was Mane’s chance in the first half. At 0-0 he would have squared that. Instead, at 1-0, he tries to score. What worries me is that Jurgen seems to be saving his best team for the Champions League. He saw the squad become burnt out last year and he is being cautious with the players.
REID — I’m going to hospital tomorrow to get the smile taken off my face. I managed to have a little moment with Sam Allardyce after the game and he had a similar expression. He has to be extremely happy. Everton weren’t good but they’ve come away with a point. When I saw the Liverpool team I thought
we had a chance. It was still uncomfortable to watch at times, but Sam made changes at half-time and Lennon and Schneiderlin gave them more composure and discipline. It also allowed Rooney to move up the pitch and affect the game with his pinpoint pass for Calvert-Lewin’s penalty.
MAN OF THE MATCH?
THOMPSON — Joe Gomez. He’s staking a claim for England’s World Cup squad. He had pace, power, poise. His selection of pass was excellent and he takes responsibility. He made their quick players look like slouches.
REID — Idrissa Gueye. In the first half he got himself in good defensive positions and made a lot of interceptions when we were under the cosh. In the second half he had enough energy to block the likes of Coutinho and protect the defence.