Lots of things get said before and after derby games which often owe more to those concerned being pumped up and ultra focused on winning than anything else.
I wonder if Steven Gerrard will look back in a few days and wonder what made him say that Everton adopted a long-ball, direct approach, because it certainly can?t have been the actual game itself.
With players of the calibre of Kevin Mirallas, Leon Osman and Leighton Baines it?s silly to say Everton are a long-ball side.
Yes they like to mix it up and if the option of sending it to Fellaini who then controls the ball and brings another team-mate into play is on, they?ll use it ? but what team wouldn?t?
You can guarantee if Liverpool had kept hold of Andy Carroll they?d try and use his size.
But most neutral observers of the 219th Merseyside derby will acknowledge that Everton played some lovely football as they have all season so far, and the statistics certainly pour cold water over any route one allegations.
Players can come out with silly comments after the game but managers can be just as rash ? and that?s what probably prompted Brendan Rodgers to hint the Blues were direct as well.
He?s an intelligent guy and he knows Everton play good football.
Source: liverpool echo
Source: liverpool echo