The Liverpool Offside - FA Cup Coverage: Liverpool vs. EvertonZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2020-01-05T19:45:00+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/166153512020-01-05T19:45:00+00:002020-01-05T19:45:00+00:00Digging Deeper Into Liverpool’s 1-0 FA Cup Derby Win Over Everton
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<img alt="Liverpool FC v Everton FC - FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cc6k9Iet_RVQ4DBWzA6IdPOukOA=/0x0:2833x1889/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66027674/1197683826.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We we take a closer look at some of the whys and hows of the match as the Reds advanced over Everton in the FA Cup</p> <p id="hfz77V">With the end of a ridiculous run of fixtures across , coupled with a growing number of injuries, Jurgen Klopp saw fit to put out a very makeshift line up in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> version of the Merseyside Derby. <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>, with nothing else to play for this season, threw out a predictably strong side. With a match that could have gone horribly wrong in the manner of the LFC Yutes vs <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a> in the League Cup, the <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> side showed class and composure to deservedly advance to the next round. The magic of the cup indeed.</p>
<p id="5oxPTv">Join us as we try and separate narrative from reality of the match up and how it all went down in the end.</p>
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<h2 id="TQVW68">Winners</h2>
<p id="MPvpkH"><strong>Adrian:</strong> The Spanish goalkeeper was immense in the first half, making three point blank saves to keep Liverpool in the game. It’s a really nice feeling to know that Liverpool have the best goalkeeper in the game in Alisson Becker, and possibly the best back up in the game as well.</p>
<p id="PYYvPp"><span><strong>Joe Gomez</strong></span><strong>: </strong>The English centerback was quietly everywhere in the back today. With no Virgil van Dijk to depend on, he was the rock in the back of a makeshift line, especially after <span>James Milner</span> exited. Gomez is more than just a defender with great recovery speed, his ability to read the game is unreal for a player of his age.</p>
<p id="RH4VXb"><strong>Curtis Jones:</strong> Local lad scores in derby klaxon.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">WOW!! <a href="https://t.co/SVCz7K5rvE">pic.twitter.com/SVCz7K5rvE</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1213877780871630848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a>
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<p id="D5ULio"><strong>Liverpool’s Youthful Right Side:</strong> Harvey Elliott and Necco Williams put on an absolute display down the right flank today. Elliott was a bundle of energy on and off the ball. His vision and touch belie his youthful age. He is going to be something absolutely special. Necco (let’s call him Wafer) Williams did his best Trent Alexander-Arnold impression at right back. The young Welshman pinged balls all over the field, and had a couple of well taken shots from distance, including an absolute pile driver that forced <span>Jordan Pickford</span> into a save. The two youngsters were a constant thorn in Lucas Digne’s side, and they also did a very nice job of keeping Richarlison in check.</p>
<p id="fiPEvx"><strong>Pedro Chirivella:</strong> The somehow only 22 year old midfielder put on a display today with his passing and technical ability on the ball. His set piece deliveries were also outstanding. While he probably won’t fit into Liverpool’s long term plans, he showed he deserves minutes somewhere.</p>
<p id="UMlfzj"><span><strong>Adam Lallana</strong></span><strong>:</strong> I’ll go ahead and say it, I’ve been critical of Lallana these last couple of seasons. Today, however, he provided great leadership for a young team after taking the captain’s arm band from Milner. He, along with Chirivella, helped to control the flow of the game through the midfield, especially in the second half.</p>
<h2 id="PKR9VD">Losers</h2>
<p id="UfifC2"><strong>Nathaniel Phillips: </strong>Stepping in for the best defender in the world was always going to be a tall order, but Phillips showed he still has a long way to go before he’ll be ready for the Premier League. He got bullied more than once by the Everton attackers, and seemed unsure of his positioning at times.</p>
<p id="IUfTlG"><strong>James Milner’s Hamstring:</strong> I didn’t even know that robots HAD hamstrings, but it sounds like Milner at the best tweaked his, and at the worst, tore it. Milner has been a security blanket for Klopp, especially as the team has dealt with an injury crisis in the midfield, and not depth at left back. Losing Milner, the ultimate utility player, for a significant period of time could be a big blow.</p>
<p id="TFqO74"><strong>Lucas Digne:</strong> The Everton left back has been considered by some to be better than Andrew Robertson. The Frenchman looked out of his depth against a couple of teenagers today, and showed his frustration as the match progressed. We’ll see if his head explodes when Liverpool sends him the bill for the signage board he broke when kicking at it in frustration.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="erzRhI">
<h2 id="iNKCMb">Tactical Breakdown</h2>
<p id="JGojZZ">When the line ups came out, everyone scrambled to figure out what the actual shape would be, and where, in particular, Takumi Minamino would be playing. It turned out to be the pretty standard Liverpool 4-3-3, with Minamino taking up the <span>Roberto Firmino</span> role of nominally leading the line while dropping deeper to combine. While Minamino didn’t get much service to his feet, he did show he was absolutely up for the physical nature of the Premier League. He also made some very smart runs, and it will be fun to see him combine with more of the senior team players.</p>
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<h2 id="xt4VYk">What Happens Next</h2>
<p id="enDHtJ">Liverpool get ready to play again in 2...3...wait, 6 whole days?!?! The Reds will welcome the respite before they travel to London to take on a Tottenham side fighting for a Europa League spot. The draw for the 4th round of the FA cup will take place tomorrow, and the 4th round games will take place the weekend of January 25.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2020/1/5/21050454/digging-deeper-into-liverpools-1-0-win-vs-everton-2020-fa-cup-kids-came-to-playCruyff Turns Anonymous2020-01-05T18:37:49+00:002020-01-05T18:37:49+00:00Jürgen Klopp on Liverpool’s FA Cup Win Over Everton: Unbelievable Performances
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<img alt="Liverpool FC v Everton FC - FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/D4dqnlDmGkbqLOb0akCBAO1mAJQ=/0x0:3111x2074/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66027450/1197686205.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool beat Everton. That’s it.</p> <p id="4dUXk2"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>. Good at football.</p>
<p id="p3O5oX"><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>. Not good at football.</p>
<p id="qifX1b">Sometimes that’s all there is to it. A second string Liverpool side outplayed Everton’s best. That just feels like what happens. And it’s all because of what Jürgen Klopp has built.</p>
<p id="spmjGr">“They played brave football”, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/50897397">Klopp said to BBC Sport of his side</a>. Unbelievable individual performances from the kids and the adults as well.</p>
<p id="wGq69o">”<span>Adam Lallana</span> - what a game, unbelievable. <span>Joe Gomez</span> - organising the whole defence for maybe the first time in his life.</p>
<p id="NzC96D">”Sensational game and a sensational goal from a Scouser - who could ask for more? You cannot perform like the boys performed if you think you should not perform in that team.</p>
<p id="0HfR44">”They all think like that. I am so happy they all showed up tonight. The only thing I didn’t want was a draw. We had to take some risks and it paid off.”</p>
<p id="0QlnW0">Curtis Jones, the goalscorer, spoke of similar joy upon the result.</p>
<p id="wDmtQS">“I just go out there and try and play my game”, Jones told BBC Sport.</p>
<p id="7BxOxf">”It’s been frustrating at times being on the bench and then getting a taste on the pitch and then being back on the bench.</p>
<p id="lXO7RI">”I’ve been basically begging to come on but hopefully I’ve topped it off with a good goal.</p>
<p id="oBNz1V">”I can’t sum up my emotions. For me it’s huge just being around this team every day and learning from this group of players. There are world-class players all over this team but I think I went out and showed what I could do on the pitch.”</p>
<p id="QR3TKs">You know the old Bill Shankly line about there being two great teams in the city - Liverpool and Liverpool reserves. It was tongue in cheek then, but somehow at this point, in 2020, it feels like it’s actually true.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2020/1/5/21050626/jurgen-klopp-on-liverpools-fa-cup-win-over-everton-unbelievable-performances-premier-league-eplGraceOnFootball2020-01-05T18:04:34+00:002020-01-05T18:04:34+00:00Liverpool 1, Everton 0: Man Of The Match
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<img alt="Liverpool FC v Everton FC - FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i8xO2JgVM-wbljPeUEeGE8c_YBk=/0x116:2210x1589/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66027359/1197685097.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>After a well deserved 1-0 win over Everton in the FA Cup edition of the Merseyside Derby, we want you to rate your man of the match.</em></p> <p id="tLSyiq">Well now, the kids absolutely showed up to play today against a strong <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> side in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> third round match. As you’d expect from such a young, patchwork side, Liverpool were far from great through the entirety of the match, but they certainly played well enough to deserve the 1-0 win. Adrian was immense in the first half, while Harvey Elliott and Necco (Wafer) Williams ran the right side of the pitch against Lucas Digne. Curtis Jones scored an absolute belter in the second half over <span>Jordan Pickford</span>’s outstretched little arms. <span>Joe Gomez</span> quietly kept things from falling apart at the back, and Pedro Chirivella showed that he has the class to be playing regularly somewhere.</p>
<p id="1CzO97">With our favored polling tool out of service, we’re instead giving you a choice between a few of the players we thought looked best today for the Reds, so make your choice below and vote for who you think should be the man of the match—or take to the comments to let us know that we got it wrong by leaving the real man of the match off the list entirely.</p>
<p id="etfFNw">As always, anyone visiting on Apple News or Google AMP who wish to vote and can’t see the poll can make it visible by navigating to the front page of The <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> Offside and re-entering the story.</p>
<div id="O4ILaM"><div data-anthem-component="poll:9032956"></div></div>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2020/1/5/21050447/liverpool-1-everton-0-fa-cup-2020-vote-best-worst-performances-motm-curtis-jones-belterCruyff Turns Anonymous2018-01-06T05:00:01+00:002018-01-06T05:00:01+00:00Liverpool Offer “Full Cooperation” In Firmino-Holgate Incident
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<img alt="2018 FA Cup Football 3rd Round Liverpool v Everton Jan 5th" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5nRUlaNSq9tIkZhPeAOmi7ywyWQ=/0x0:3777x2518/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58226081/901645060.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Blunsden/Action Plus via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The club have pledged to comply in any ensuing investigation.</p> <p id="kjUXB6"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> have promised to “fully cooperate” in any investigation into a contentious incident between <span>Roberto Firmino</span> and Mason Holgate during Friday night’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> tie with <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>.</p>
<p id="rLbmBX">The incident came in the 40th minute of Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over their Merseyside rivals. Holgate, in the course of challenging Firmino for possession, was seen to have put both hands on the Liverpool forward’s back and shoved him, sending Firmino into the stands. The Brazilian international rushed back onto the pitch and words were exchanged. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/06/roberto-firmino-liverpool-everton-mason-holgate">Based on the Everton player’s reaction</a>, it seems safe to assume that Firmino either used a racially abusive term or that he said something in Portuguese which Holgate believed to be racially abusive.</p>
<aside id="P1slMi"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Liverpool 2, Everton 1: First Thoughts","url":"https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/5/16855432/liverpool-2-everton-1-match-recap-report-fa-cup-2018"},{"title":"Liverpool 2, Everton 1: Man of the Match","url":"https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/5/16855290/best-worst-performances-vote-motm-liverpool-2-everton-1-fa-cup-2018-van-dijk-debut-goal"},{"title":"Liverpool 2, Everton 1: A Very Valuable Debut","url":"https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/6/16856768/liverpool-2-everton-1-a-very-valuable-debut-virgil-van-dijk-scores-send-lfc-into-fourth-round-fa-cup"}]}'></div></aside><p id="UkrsuG">Neither player was booked as a result of the clash, and it’s expected that the Football Association are waiting to read the official match report from referee Bobby Madley before they launch an official investigation.</p>
<p id="PelyYe"><a href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42587318">In a statement</a>, the club affirmed that they will provide the FA with whatever information or testimony is required.</p>
<p id="W8XK68">“The club and player will fully co-operate with the relevant authorities to ensure the facts are established in a thorough manner if deemed necessary or requested. While that process is ongoing, we will not be making any further comment.”</p>
<p id="irXJTP">When asked to comment, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he didn’t know enough about what happened to offer any insight.</p>
<p id="wZpzIU">“I only heard about something but I can’t say anything about it because so far I couldn’t speak to anybody and I think, from now on, first of all the club will answer. I don’t really know anything about it.”</p>
<p id="N3e2X7">Everton boss <span>Sam Allardyce</span> took a similar tack. </p>
<p id="cMkMmO">“Even if I had or hadn’t spoken to Mason Holgate I wouldn’t tell anyone because that’s another area of the authority of the football club. I will let [Everton Director of Football Steve Walsh] deal with that.”</p>
<p id="E4UYpa">We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/6/16856666/liverpool-offers-full-cooperation-firmino-holgate-incident-everton-fa-cupBridget Gordon2018-01-06T02:00:02+00:002018-01-06T02:00:02+00:00Liverpool 2, Everton 1: A Very Valuable Debut
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<img alt="Liverpool v Everton - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TKvgICyhXkA_tHwz4fuQTWfYEb8=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58226015/901632368.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A debut goal for Virgil van Dijk advances Liverpool past Everton in the FA Cup.</p> <blockquote><p id="B9oxwj"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/"><em><strong>Liverpool</strong></em></a><em><strong> 2:</strong></em><em> Milner (pen) 35’, Van Dijk 84’</em><br><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/"><em><strong>Everton</strong></em></a><em><strong> 1:</strong></em><em> Sigurdsson 67’</em></p></blockquote>
<p id="p0fQiq">No matter what happens in the future and regardless of how long he stays at <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, Virgil van Dijk will always have this night. To score the winning goal on his debut in front of the Kop is huge but to have done it to win the 230<sup>th</sup> Merseyside derby and knock <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> out of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> made it even more remarkable. </p>
<p id="8CHUQV">The third-round tie looked to be heading into a replay after Gylfi Sigurdsson equalised <span>James Milner</span>’s 35<sup>th</sup> minute penalty at 67 minutes.</p>
<p id="lMCV5t">However, thanks to Van Dijk who met Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s in-swinging corner with a firm downwards header, our place in round four of the FA Cup has been secured. </p>
<p id="a7KaU2">The game began at a frenzied pace as Anfield was brought to life with the supporters all round showing their enthusiasm for the 24<sup>th</sup> meeting between Liverpool and Everton in the FA Cup. Emre Can and Sadio Mané both made attempts which were off target, before Milner volleyed Joe Gomez’s deep cross wide. </p>
<p id="DL4znx">Mason Holgate hauled down <span>Adam Lallana</span> and we were given a penalty which in fairness was a rather soft touch. James Milner stepped up, as calm and cool as ever and sent his penalty straight down the middle of Jordan Pickford’s goal as the Liverpool supporters celebrated in the stands.</p>
<p id="c2aL8w">The second half started without a drop in the intensity from either side and Lallana had the first sight of goal 10 minutes after the restart. We went in search for a second goal with a shot from Robertson being palmed away by Pickford and Van Dijk nodding the ball straight at the Everton keeper. </p>
<p id="85FNI4">However, it was Everton who struck with impressive Yannick Bolasie finding Lookman who sprinted into Liverpool’s half and played the ball infield to <span>Phil Jagielka</span> who turned it back to Gylfi Sigurddson, who the stroked a shot in the the bottom corner from 18 yards. </p>
<p id="zb381v">Both sides continued to go for it and I’m sure that neither side wanted a replay at Goodison Park. It appeared that both teams were struggling to carve out opportunities for a winner. But then, Virgil van Dijk came along to save the day. </p>
<p id="hNKSte">He had a been an assured presence at the back throughout the game and wrote his name into the history books by planting Ox’s corner low into the Kop net at 84 minutes and our neighbours were unable to retaliate. </p>
<p id="6Rc9a3"> </p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/6/16856768/liverpool-2-everton-1-a-very-valuable-debut-virgil-van-dijk-scores-send-lfc-into-fourth-round-fa-cupBloodsugarNatz2018-01-05T23:20:01+00:002018-01-05T23:20:01+00:00Virgil Van Dijk: Scoring Winner On Debut Was A “Dream”
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<img alt="Liverpool v Everton - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IZYhVDaTocKAst5RmbeJMlTJHpw=/0x64:3000x2064/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58225077/901632368.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>£75m too much you said, world? | Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The world’s most expensive defender bossed on his debut. Was anyone surprised?</p> <p id="Xy3Y4U">VIRGIL VAN-BLOODY-DIJK, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN. </p>
<p id="fFyiAm">Scoring the winning goal in front of the Kop in a Merseyside derby is as good of a first installment in a £75m repayment plan as one could muster. Virgil Van Dijk, <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>’s world record signing, was clearly good for it, punching in an unstoppable header to send the Reds into the next round of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> at the expense of their eternal <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> rivals.</p>
<p id="yTP9wN">After several set piece attempts in which the Dutchman spurned two golden chances to put his side ahead, <span>Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain</span> put the ball on Van Dijk’s head for a third time on a 84<sup>th</sup> minute corner, with the 6’4 defender rising above all else to power past a flailing <span>Jordan Pickford</span> and stamp his name in the annals of Liverpool debuts.</p>
<p id="K6RIlc">”What a night,” the new #4 told BBC Sport in the rapturous aftermath of the game. “[The win] was thoroughly deserved, it felt amazing to be out there. The goal is very special for me and my family.</p>
<p id="uHO12I">”Playing at Anfield for Liverpool is a dream for every player. To score a goal is even more special.”</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">He's earned that Klopp cuddle!<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/VLUlZZrgrU">pic.twitter.com/VLUlZZrgrU</a></p>— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/949401524928729089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a>
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<p id="jvL2MR">It was a fine finish to a game that was otherwise low on quality, as Liverpool, clearly fatigued from their Christmas travails, sank to the level of a dull Sam Allardyce Blues side, gifting a sloppy equalizer to Gylfi Sigurdsson after a first half penalty from <span>James Milner</span> had put Jurgen Klopp’s team ahead.</p>
<p id="uhH6Qf">“[Sigurdsson’s] equalizer was the worst protection I ever saw in my life,” Klopp admitted after the game. “It made no sense at all. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="eGIiX9"><q>“In Germany we say cup games have different laws and [today] was like that.”</q></aside></div>
<p id="JWaSjs">“We were all in the wrong direction. But when you make mistakes in football you have to react and we did again. It was nice that Virgil van Dijk could score in his first game, a brilliant header. I am really happy.</p>
<p id="LhcPy9">”In front of the Kop, makes it even better. In Germany we say cup games have different laws and it was like that—there was an extra push form both sides.”</p>
<aside id="XI9ppD"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Liverpool 2-1 Everton: Van Dijk in dream derby debut","url":"https://www.thisisanfield.com/2018/01/liverpool-2-1-everton-van-dijk-stuns-blues-dream-derby-debut-winner/"},{"title":"Watch: Virgil Van Dijk Scores The Go-Ahead Goal In His Liverpool Debut","url":"https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-social-facebook-stories-fanshots/2018/1/5/16855278/watch-virgil-van-dijk-scores-the-go-ahead-goal-in-his-liverpool-debut"},{"title":"Liverpool 2, Everton 1: Man of the Match","url":"https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/5/16855290/best-worst-performances-vote-motm-liverpool-2-everton-1-fa-cup-2018-van-dijk-debut-goal"}]}'></div></aside>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/5/16856354/virgil-van-dijk-scoring-winner-on-debut-a-dream-jurgen-klopp-alex-oxlade-chamberlain-evertonO.T. Obaisi2018-01-05T22:00:02+00:002018-01-05T22:00:02+00:00Liverpool 2, Everton 1: Man of the Match
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<img alt="2018 FA Cup Football 3rd Round Liverpool v Everton Jan 5th" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KaH5k-GVJgMoeDXflur2JMLF5Es=/0x236:4152x3004/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58224017/901586174.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Blunsden/Action Plus via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With a had fought victory in the books, we want you to rate Liverpool’s players and choose your man of the match.</p> <p id="RcOZAA">It was the same old story. <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> the better side, up a goal, and then proceeding to waste a series of chances to put the game away before <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> took their one good opportunity and evened things up. The match seemed fated to go to a replay. Then Virgil van Dijk headed home from a corner kick, scoring the winning goal in an <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> derby match on his Liverpool debut to put the hosts up 2-1 and, in the end, win the game.</p>
<p id="HiSXRp">Now let us know how you saw it. Hitting the thumbs up button is a vote to move the player up the list—or to help keep them on top. Hitting thumbs down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It’s half man of the match poll and half power ranking, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each Liverpool match and, at the other end, who you’d maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p id="FrctSU">At the end of the month we’ll go through the results of the month’s polls and vote The Liverpool Offside’s player of the month and, come next May, those monthly results will help to determine your TLO player of the season for 2016-17. Those visiting on Google AMP who wish to vote will have to navigate to the front page and re-enter the story to access the non-AMP version of it.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/5/16855290/best-worst-performances-vote-motm-liverpool-2-everton-1-fa-cup-2018-van-dijk-debut-goalNoel Chomyn2018-01-05T21:48:30+00:002018-01-05T21:48:30+00:00Liverpool 2, Everton 1: First Thoughts
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<img alt="Liverpool v Everton - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dVAVLjouhwIvYTFubsbVqMDCxdg=/54x0:3012x1972/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58223941/901606502.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Virgil van Dijk achieves instant legend status with a debut Merseyside Derby winner. </p> <blockquote><p id="cN41Lg"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/"><em><strong>Liverpool</strong></em></a><em><strong> 2:</strong></em><em> Milner (P) 35’, Van Dijk 84’ </em><br><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/"><em><strong>Everton</strong></em></a><em><strong> 1:</strong></em><em> Sigurdsson 67’</em></p></blockquote>
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<li id="u7rw5E">
<strong>Pre-match Thought: </strong>Fuck. After a week of <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> transfer drama, it’s nice to see Liverpool take the pitch, yeah? Even more so because it’s a Merseyside Derby. The big news of the night is the inclusion of world-record defensive signing Virgil van Dijk. No pressure, lad. As expected, Mohamed Salah is out with injury, and Coutinho is out with “injury.” Still, it’s a very strong line-up from the Reds, and it should be an exciting match!</li>
<li id="n1KKSo">A couple of rough challenges from Everton early. Are there cards dished out? Of course not. </li>
<li id="UQGemq">Oh! There’s a card! Rooney goes into the book for a late challenge. Six minutes in, and it could easily be his second. </li>
<li id="1o23I8">Twenty minutes gone, and neither team has created much going forward, although Everton at least show some willingness to get forward, unlike the last time out. </li>
<li id="zHSwYS">Liverpool creates the first real chance of the night after <span>Joe Gomez</span> picks out <span>James Milner</span> with a long, diagonal pass into the box. The experienced midfielder fired the shot just wide of the target. </li>
<li id="VBKPfK">The Reds seem to be showing their exhaustion from the busy holiday season. They’re a bit sloppy all over the pitch, especially in the final third. </li>
<li id="UwNyGy">
<strong>Penalty! </strong><span>Adam Lallana</span> is impeded in the box by Mason Holgate, winning a penalty for the home side!</li>
<li id="W4uQIT">
<strong>GOAL! </strong>Milner steps up to the spot, and hits it right down the middle, into the space that the keeper vacated. Unlucky. </li>
<li id="47fr1P">Van Dijk, who has had a decent little debut so far, decides to have a crack from about 35-yards. It appeared to be headed on target, though <span>Roberto Firmino</span> was in the way.</li>
<li id="qnXnNv">Now things are getting chippy, after Holgate shoved Firmino into the crowd after the ball was out of play. Bobby was furious, having to be held back by the ref and teammates. Somehow no cards were given. </li>
<li id="JgFKuj">
<strong>Halftime Thought:</strong> It is so unpleasant playing a <span>Sam Allardyce</span> squad. That said, Liverpool have been far from their best, but have managed to get their noses out in front nonetheless. The way things are going, I’d be shocked if this ended with all 22 players on the pitch. Rooney should have about 4 yellows all by his lonesome. </li>
<li id="w4fany">
<span>Andrew Robertson</span> is having a legitimately great game. Everton haven’t created much, but that’s largely due to Yannick Bolasie being in Robbo’s pocket. Then he steps up early in the second half and cuts out a very dangerous cross. </li>
<li id="Mwk985">Allardyce makes an early sub, taking off <span>Wayne Rooney</span> for 20-year-old Ademola Lookman. If ever there was a “throwing in the towel” moment, it’s this. </li>
<li id="h9VfbO">Liverpool are on the ascendency in the second half, looking the far more dangerous side. You can almost feel that second goal coming at this point. </li>
<li id="P3Bl8j">Van Dijk nearly makes a dream debut Derby goal! He gets his head to a free kick, heading it down and on target, but too close to the keeper. </li>
<li id="LTZGEy">
<strong>Goal.</strong> Ooof. That was bad. Liverpool get caught out on a counterattack from a corner, and Gylfi Sigurdsson cooly finds the target from the top of the box. Was it their first shot on target? You betcha. </li>
<li id="rLp0fd">Kloppo makes his first change, bringing <span>Georginio Wijnaldum</span> on for Lallana. </li>
<li id="Evnjqu">Klopp makes two more subs with 15 minutes to play: bringing on Dominic Solanke and Trent Alexander-Arnold for Milner and Gomez. </li>
<li id="kF8qRy">
<strong>GOAL!! </strong>WELCOME TO FUCKING LIVERPOOL VIRGIL VAN DIJK!!! The world record signing gets his debut goal after going close earlier. The Dutch international gets his head on a corner, and finds the back of the net. And with 5 minutes of regular time to play, it might just be a match winner. </li>
<li id="TZB6ib">
<strong>Final Whistle Thought: </strong>Three 1-goal wins in the space of a week? What is this world coming to? Another hard-fought win when Liverpool were not at their best. Most importantly? No replay. Oh, and it sets a record: 16 match unbeaten streak against the Blues. </li>
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<p id="AvdvNz">We’ll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today’s game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven’t already, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373"><strong>join the community on the Liverpool Offside</strong></a>, where we’ll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/1/5/16855432/liverpool-2-everton-1-match-recap-report-fa-cup-2018Zachary Marx