I must admit: when I first saw the Liverpool line-up in this FA Cup Third Round tie against Everton; I thought we had a chance. This was a Liverpool team with a few second-stringers; but mostly third-team players full of youngsters and reserves.
It was at first glance a strange decision from Juergen Klopp; looking at how important this Merseyside Derby was; but in the end, it was the right decision as the fresh legs and vigour needed in this tie came to the fore in a big way.
The match started well for Everton though; we created several good chances in the first half; notably an open header from Mason Holgate that he should have put away. However; as the match wore on; you had a feeling that Everton would be left to pay for missing a number of gilt-edged opportunities.
And so it came true as Liverpool's youngsters produced the goods in the second half. Playing with increasing verve and vigour, they started to dominate an Everton side that simply did not turn up for the second half. As it may, youngster Curtis Jones scored the only goal of the contest with a delightful long-range curler to send the young team into raptures.
This was indeed an exciting Liverpool team; and Klopp has to be given credit for infusing his confidence and technique throughout the entire Liverpool squad; right down to the reserves. They certainly have an entire squad of capable players that will instill fear in any opposition.
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