Liverpool hit Everton for five to secure a memorable 5-2 win on Wednesday, ensuring the Reds’ remarkable unbeaten run continues.
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Liverpool 5-2 Everton
Premier League, Anfield
December 4, 2019
Goals: Origi 6’, 31’, Shaqiri 17’, Mane 45’, Wijnaldum 90’; Keane 21’, Richarlison 45+3’
In a largely unexpected move, Jurgen Klopp rung in the changes for Everton’s visit with Xherdan Shaqiri, Adam Lallana, Divock Origi, James Milner and Adrian all starting from the off.
While the Reds headed into the clash atop of the table and in search of their 14th win from 15 games, Everton languished two points above the relegation zone have notched just four wins.
And previous derby heroes in Sadio Mane and Divock Origi were back to haunt Everton with just six minutes on the clock having combined to devastating effect.
The former would notch another assist ten minutes later after a stunning move, first set up by Trent Alexander-Arnold, saw Shaqiri land on the scoresheet as Liverpool returned to their free-flowing best in the final third.
Michael Keane and Richarlison would both strike back for the visitors to deny the Reds a cleansheet for the 13th game in succession, but a two goal buffer would remain heading into the interval as both Origi and Mane found the net in scintillating fashion beyond a hapless Jordan Pickford.
While Mane twice had the chance to add the finishing touches in the closing stages, the second half would not prove as dramatic, however, as the next goal added to the scoresheet would not arrive until the 90th minute.
Gini Wijnaldum was the man to put to make it five on a memorable evening at Anfield, where the result ensures Liverpool set a new club record after stretching their unbeaten run in the topflight to 32 games, while their eight point buffer at the top remains safely intact.
Liverpool’s defensive record will come as a continued frustration but, as ever, they will not have to wait long to attempt to put it right as a trip to Bournemouth awaits on Saturday.
