Liverpool have had the better of the first half and got the lead they deserved when Steven Gerrard scored after 33 minutes with a wonderful left-footed chip from the edge of the box that beat five Everton players. The chance came after very good interplay between Gerrard and Luis Suarez, before the latter played in Martin Kelly on the right. His shot was tame, but was spilled by Tim Howard, with the resulting rebound from Sylvain Distin falling to Gerrard.
Liverpool Vs. Everton, 2012 Premier League: Halftime, Liverpool Lead Through Gerrard
Everton, though, haven't been dominated, and were coming into the game when Liverpool had scored. Their best chance came after their classic combination on the left between Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines set the Everton left back free. He sent in a very good, flat cross that was met by the head of Denis Stracqualursi. His header, though, was easily saved by Pepe Reina.
Liverpool have had two other clear chances, with Gerrard's shot after seven minutes being palmed away by Howard, before Jack Rodwell brilliantly blocked Jordan Henderson's follow-up. They could've doubled their lead minutes after scoring when Kelly was played in by Henderson, but his shot went wide of Howard's left post. Kelly's overlaps have been very dangerous for Liverpool, with neither Pienaar nor Victor Anichebe tracking his runs. If Everton want to stop Liverpool, they may want to stop Kelly's runs, as long as bringing on someone like Leon Osman to add more creativity. Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini give them a solid platform, but not much creativity.
For Liverpool, they need to do more of the same. Gerrard and Suarez are linking up very well, and Kelly is playing well, but they will want to get more out of Henderson, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll, who, again, have failed to live up to expectations. Liverpool, though, at least, have scored a goal at home in the Premier League, with Gerrard becoming the first Liverpool player to do so in 2012.
See More:
