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It cannot help a manager when hours before the match a starter withdraws but not even the riches of football can dictate when a mother-to-be enters labour.

Liverpool’s title hopes suffer huge blow after Calvert-Lewin seals Everton winRead more

Sean Dyche knew there was fatigue in the Liverpool ranks, considering Darwin Núñez was making his 50th appearance of the season for his club, in addition to the air miles involved for Europa League travel and the international breaks in South America.

The instructions were clear: to play on the physical and mental tiredness within the Liverpool squad.

In the early stages Everton pressed relentlessly, letting those in red know the game was unlikely to be enjoyable despite the 14-place and 38-point difference in the standings before kick-off.

A tired child, as Cody Gakpo is about to find out, is liable to get frustrated and angry as their bodies fight it, something Dyche wanted to exacerbate in Liverpool.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, recovered from injury sustained on Sunday, was tasked with being the irritant striker, chasing Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk, ensuring each press included contact.

Two Dwight McNeil set pieces resulted in the goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin as Liverpool failed to deal with the height and power of Everton in the box.

In the final stages, few had the energy to attack for Liverpool as their attempts to progress up the pitch became more direct.

The quick, sharp passing that has been instrumental this season was lost with minds and legs depleted of resources.

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As has often been the case in recent weeks, Liverpool have created chances but lacked the clinical finishes required.

Both good players, but when an attacker was needed there was nothing the manager could do.

It has been a gruelling season for Liverpool amid their attempts to win four competitions and the emotional uncertainty provided by Klopp’s summer exit.

The Everton fans sang: “You lost the league at Goodison Park” but the weariness has been growing and is hard to counteract.
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