Curtis Jones releases Liverpool pressure valve as midfield change vital to derby glory
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Ian Doyle with the talking points from Liverpool's Premier League clash at Everton on Sunday afternoonSo continues the game of right-back roulette for Liverpool. But at a time when Arne Slot needed it most, the one Scouser in his team delivered on derby day, defending doggedly both on the ground and in the air while positionally sound despite occasionally being targeted by Everton.The ability of Jones to maintain possession in testing areas may have jangled some nerves among the Liverpool support, but it provided a welcome pressure valve for the Reds and allowed them to start attacks from deep.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!
All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageArne Slot’s selection decision also paid off in that it released Dominik Szoboszlai to start in one of the two deeper midfield roles alongside Ryan Gravenberch.The Hungary international was important in helping Liverpool move up the field quickly and provided much-needed physicality to help the visitors edge the important engine-room tussle.And, of course, it was Szoboszlai’s corner delivery that invited Van Dijk to head the winner. He remains an influence no matter where on the pitch.Injury jinx continuesSpeaking afterwards deep within the bowels of Everton’s impressive new home, Slot couldn’t help but make a joke about Liverpool’s continued ill fortune with injuries.“If you’re playing for the under-8s at Liverpool, then you should be ready for making your debut,” quipped the Reds boss.Small wonder.
Alexander Isak had touched the ball just twice.While it will be next season before Isak is anywhere near his best, needs must for Liverpool at present with the striker given a 72-minutes run-out here.If the Sweden international is clearly way off in terms of fitness, there were signs immediately after half-time of what a fully-functioning Isak can offer with a few half-openings a sharper version would have transformed into full ones.With Liverpool having no more midweek assignments, there will be a chance for Isak to at least continue building his physical shape and understanding with team-mates. It could make the difference in the battle for a top-five berth.And Cody Gakpo, playing off the left, looked far more like last season’s purposeful player, particularly with the superb pass to assist Mohamed Salah’s opener.Meanwhile, this victory in the 248th Merseyside derby continues one remarkable Premier League record for Liverpool, who have now won at 60 of the 62 different stadiums they have visited in the competition.