OPINION
Liverpool got the bragging rights over their local rivals on Everton as they emerged from the Merseyside Derby on Sunday with a 1-0 win.
The Reds’ very own forgotten man Divock Origi snatched the winning goal after making the most of Toffees keeper Jordan Pickford had a nightmare in nearly the final minute of the match.
Given that it wasn’t a perfect performance by the Reds’ despite their victory, Jurgen Klopp would have learnt several things about his team that will aid him as the season continues to progress.
Live 4 Liverpool have rounded up three things learned about the Reds’ during their win over Everton on Sunday.
Fabinho must start more
Fabinho was an important member of the Reds’ team against the Toffees on Sunday as he ran the show in midfield. The Brazilian kept putting in vital tackles and winning the ball back for his side, as well as dictating the tempo of the game with sublime if short passes. Fabinho looked like he was the defensive midfielder Reds fans had been dreaming of for years as he was an extra layer of protection for the defence. The Toffees were a formidable opponent on Sunday and if Fabinho hadn’t been there to deal with their threat, the Reds’ may not have emerged victorious from the latest Merseyside Derby.
Hope for Origi
Origi pounced into life to score the winner against the Toffees on Sunday and that means there is hope for him yet at Anfield. The versatile attacker, he can play on the wing as well as in a central role, has looked destined for the exit door at the Reds for a while, but Klopp can’t afford not to give him a chance in the near future. Origi may have missed a golden chance upon entering the game against the Toffees but after scoring the winner, his confidence is no doubt at an all-time high. It was far from being the greatest goal in history, to say the least, but it could have reawaken Origi’s faith in his ability. As it’s easy to summarise that the attacker who has only played 17 minutes of first-team action season wasn’t exactly confident that he had what it takes to succeed at the Reds after struggling to deliver for so long.
Firmino must be axed
Roberto Firmino was one of the Reds’ most important players last season but Klopp can’t play favourites if he wants the trophy cabinet to be filled at Anfield. This means that the German manager has to be ruthless and axe the Brazilian forward following his display against the Toffees. Firmino was woeful and bordered on being invisible against the Toffees and that wasn’t the first time he has struggled this season. The 27-year-old may have scored three goals in 14 league outings this season but his general displays have been well below the standard expected of him. Whether Firmino just needs a break from the first-team in order to get his form back to where it was last season is debatable but even if that isn’t the case, Klopp has to do what’s best for the team and right now, that means the forward needs dropping.
