Is this the place for some splendid match ratings and general good cheer?
A very enjoyable derby, with all the things we love most about this game: plenty of needle and some shuddering challenges, players who transcended the frenetic tempo to display genuine class, lovely goals and a dominant display. And most importantly, a win.
Everton put the effort in, which Liverpool matched, but when it came to football ability, the gulf between the teams was evident. All too often it isn't evident, but this attempt to emulate The Dogs Of War failed, even if we suffered the Mane injury. Lukaku was given no service, and Barkley had a horrible game. It wasn't horrible in terms of effort and involvement - he had plenty of the ball and never hid away - but his passing was horrible (apart from one cute pass in the area) and he chose the wrong option every time. And his tackling was horrific. Robles was also totally abysmal, barely moving for the third goal.
Fortunately, his opposite number in a red shirt was magnificent, with the little Brazilian shrugging off a few weeks of mediocrity with a bewitching display of attacking football, and devastating creativity. There wasn't really any weak performances in the Liverpool side, everyone played well, and that was reflected in the overall superiority of the performance. Of course, there were the almost inevitable issues in defence, with yet another dismal goal conceded from a setpiece, and another moment from a deep cross that left two Everton players totally free, but thankfully Mignolet rescued that situation.
Mignolet (7) Not overly busy. One save from Holgate, maybe, but generally well-protected and could do little about the goal
Clyne (7) Battled well with Baines, and showed good positioning and speed. Got forward a bit more in the second half as Everton grew ever more disjointed. Solid game.
Matip (8) Very impressive defensively and also smooth and unruffled when playing out from the back. Always seemed to be in the right place to snuff out danger and snaffle any loose balls.
Lovren (8) I don't think Lukaku enjoyed that as much as Lovren did. He's never going to be a calming presence in defence, but when there's an opportunity for a proper old-school scrap, his size, mobility and bravery make him an ideal candidate, and he launched himself into battle at every opportunity
Milner (6) Our Captain (of industry) was busy as ever, and was up and down the wing all game. Rather wayward with some of his passing though, which could have been more costly against a better side. Plenty of interceptions as he cut down options and frustrated Everton's attacks.
Lucas (6) Sat in front of the defence and helped repel attacks, and also used the ball intelligently. He won almost everything that went in the air, too. Can't run, so he was stranded by players running past him once or twice, and gave away the obligatory Lucas Kicks, but didn't let anyone down.
Can (7) Battling, all-action display from the German, who was heavily involved all over the pitch and helped us boss the midfield.
Wijanldum (6) Anonymous in the first half, he never seemed to be on the ball much, or even near it, but he was very good indeed after half-time, when his energy, movement and clever passing were so important as we stayed in control and on top.
Mane (8) Whenever he had the ball, threat loomed for Everton. His aggressive running and desire to make things happen were great, and scored the important first goal. I've been one of his biggest fans, but even I didn't expect him to be this good in his first season. 13 Premiership goals. That's good work so far.
Coutinho (9) Decided to remind everyone just how good he can be. His touch, vision and creativity were all on a higher plane. Every time he received the ball, he oriented towards the Everton goal, seeming to make immediate calculations about how to inflict maximum damage. Scored one, made another and poor old Everton couldn't lay a glove on him. Sublime.
Firmino (6) Worked hard to make space and create opportunities for others, and also helped the team by taking up positions right and left when Mane went off. Didn't score, but then he hardly ever does.
