Had to stay away from the boards and cool off a bit.
Clearly, this game came down to the early fuck up by Kabak. He conceded a soft corner and then we just did not get the ball out, then ball watching led to goal. Going down 1-0 to Ancelotti and his bitter shithouses was a gift that they were up for (10 behind the ball, feign injury, delay the game, foul when necessary - see Gomes). But by half way through the second half we started getting some penetration and playing through the congestion - but the final pass and the timing of runners was more hopeful than precise. This left that hollow feeling of here we go again.
At half, I was not pissed at the referee or worried that we would get chances, but if we could defend in transition as we committed numbers higher. And that was a nice start to the second half --- we got three very good chances (each either right at Pickford or easily saved) -- Salah, Firmino and Mane. Our most effective moments were when we could spring Trent in narrow and he could whip in a ball across the goal mouth -- this has happened about 5 times this season where the pace of the run and ball are mistimed. Tap ins if they are there.
Trent too has also become predictable in some ways, even though he was better today than previously. The entire 2nd half was a battle for that first goal -- and there were times it was coming, and even after the substitutions for both, we were taking space when it was on and making pretty good decisions (Gini's shot - made me think we should have found more of those in the game). In the end, one CB -- Kabak was caught ball watching and the other one subbed in for Hendo (dove in and got spun by Richarlison) --- never should have been in that position. Not mad at Nat but if he keeps Richarlison from turning, none of that happens.
The referee and systems of deciding goals is fucking farce so it feels worse. Nonetheless, I am not sure how much better we could have faired by conceding an early goal, playing against the bus, creating opportunities en masse and not finishing one. They finished and we did not. That happens. It does not mean we are shit, it means the advantages we gave them were insurmountable with all of our injuries, the referee decisions, and us having to resort to using our 5th and 6th option CBs this year. The rest is just frustration because Everton are not that good --- but against us today they found a way to be bitter and better (helped by their thuggery months ago).
I hope the players remember this feeling --- not as punishment, but as a reminder to keep working together. All the work and energy put in this season does not have to go to shit -- I do not see Everton with one leg in the Final 8 teams in the world. And as Liverpool we never quit. We take it on the chin and start a new 20 game roll. Fuck the bitters, but toast to the soccer gods today --- because we are going to need them more this year than any other I can remember in my 52 years on this planet.