Everton have dropped into the relegation zone for the first time this season after crashing to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Burnley’s 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier on Sunday afternoon meant that only three points would save the Toffees from falling into the bottom three.
Frank Lampard set his team up very defensively, looking to counter-attack through Anthony Gordon and press through Richarlison.
Initially, Liverpool found it difficult to break down the Everton backline and had few chances from open play to threaten Jordan Pickford‘s goal.
The breakthrough
In the second half, the introduction of Luis Diaz in particular opened up the tie with Liverpool looking more dynamic with a burst of pace in attack.
It also worked as a decoy, with the first goal coming through a Mohamed Salah cross to Andy Robertson sneaking in at the far post to head into the back of the net.
As the game entered the final stages, the Reds added a second with an overhead kick from Luis Diaz finding Divock Origi to nod the ball past a flailing Pickford.
Contrasting fortunes
The win means that Liverpool sit just one point behind leaders Manchester City with five games to play, and also gain confidence ahead of a Champions League semi-final against Villarreal on Wednesday.
Everton, on the other hand, are now two points from safety and face reigning Champions League winners Chelsea at home in their next fixture.
Marca
