1. Liverpool let Everton off the hook
Christmas may be a time for giving, but there are limits. Liverpool dominated a Merseyside derby played out in seasonally appropriate snowfall, but squandered a lead they should have quadrupled long before Wayne Rooney's 77th-minute penalty saw the points shared.
No matter how soft the challenge, there was no need for Dejan Lovren to push Dominic Calvert-Lewin; the young English striker was heading away from goal. But Lovren's clumsiness was punished by referee Craig Pawson and the Liverpool man may wish to steer clear of social media for a few days.
Sam Allardyce will know that his team struck it lucky, but that won't hamper his enjoyment. He and Jurgen Klopp have clashed repeatedly since the German's arrival in the Premier League; Allardyce relishes results like this.
He rested the entire team -- himself included -- for their final Europa League game in midweek, but for much of this game his ploy offered no discernible benefit. Liverpool, meanwhile, were so confident that Klopp rested Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino and were never seriously troubled.
The hosts could have taken the lead long before Mohamed Salah's exceptional goal three minutes before half-time and they could have been three goals to the good before the break. The gap in quality between the two clubs has rarely looked so vast. And yet it meant nothing in the end.
Everton haven't won at Anfield since 1999 and Liverpool soon took control, pulling their guests out of shape with darting sorties all over the final third. Sadio Mane might have opened the scoring on nine minutes but slipped in the penalty area as he prepared to shoot. Joe Gomez, who was excellent throughout, powered down the right moments later and fed Salah. He lofted a perfect cross for Milner, whose explosive shot was charged down.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com