There aren’t many players who seemingly benefit from being sent off. But there’s no doubt Curtis Jones saw his stock rise among some Liverpool supporters after his post-match red at Goodison seven weeks ago.
Fire in the belly, even when not entirely sensibly demonstrated, will always be largely welcomed, particularly during the Merseyside derby.
This time, though, the composure and control of Jones was tested in a different way when thrust into the right-back role ahead of Jarell Quansah in the continued absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez.
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If not quite the first time the 24-year-old had started in the position, it was still pretty much unaccustomed. And here Jones channelled his emotions in the right manner with an excellent showing that underlined why he has become an increasingly integral player for both club and country.
The usual intelligent passing range was present and correct. What impressed most, though, was his ability to read and deal with danger, Everton simply unable to capitalise. Headers were won, tackles thunderously made. Anfield loved it while Steven Gerrard, who knows a thing or two about being a local lad in a derby, applauded from the stands.
And on the other flank, Andy Robertson wasn’t far behind with a throwback display that justified the left-back’s claims his recent form has been much improved.
Kelleher keeps rewarding faith
It wouldn’t have been the most outlandish take to believe that, as Caoimhin Kelleher trudged dejectedly from the Wembley turf, that was the last that would be seen of the Republic of Ireland international in a Liverpool shirt.
Given the forthcoming changes in the Reds goalkeeping department that will be sparked by the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer, Kelleher is likely to depart elsewhere to become the number one his talents merit.
But with Alisson Becker having failed a concussion test after the head injury suffered playing for Brazil almost a fortnight ago, Kelleher, for the third separate spell this season, deputised between the sticks.
Once again, he didn’t let anyone down. While the first half was largely one of distribution – save watching one Beto shot hit the post after an uncharacteristic Virgil van Dijk mistake – where Kelleher shone was in helping deal with the Everton aerial threat from corners and set-pieces, taking catches and clearing his lines at the right times.
And that calm eventually spread throughout the Liverpool defence after some moments of panic towards half-time during Everton’s only real period of danger. Should the Premier League title end up at Anfield, Kelleher will have more than played his part.
Liverpool stand up
Three points towards the Premier League tally were all that mattered here. Liverpool, though, were ultimately keen to prove one as well.
The vacuum of 17 days without a game after successive defeats had seen the Reds come under intense scrutiny. Given the poor display in losing the League Cup final, that was understandable but not to the degree some were willing to put the boot in.
Easy to forget, then, Liverpool are by some distance the best team in the top flight this season and, with this latest victory, now unbeaten in 26 games. Only three times in their entire history have they gone longer with a loss in the league.
This derby was never going to be about quality. Everton, like Newcastle United at Wembley, ensured it would be a scrap. This time, though, Liverpool were willing to roll up their sleeves, go toe-to-toe and suffer the bruises as a consequence. They weren’t going to be bullied.
And in doing so, they issued a reminder of their burning desire to ensure a deserved reward for their domestic dominance.
