Sometimes it doesn’t take much. This latest parochial spat was still in its infancy when Jordan Henderson, making his first start in five games, chased down a dawdling Jordan Pickford inside the Everton penalty area.
The visiting goalkeeper just about got his clearance away before Henderson sent him tumbling to the turf. The Kop roared its approval and broke into a chant saluting the Liverpool skipper.
Moments later, Henderson prompted more cheers when popping up at the other end to nick the ball off the toes of Amadou Onana as the Everton midfielder threatened to break into the home box.
LFC RATINGS: Stefan Bajcetic and two others shine in win over Everton
AS IT HAPPENED: Liverpool vs Everton goals and highlights
They may have only been two minor skirmishes in a game littered with many. But the snapshots highlighted the pressing and intensity that has been missing for much of the calendar year for Liverpool, setting the tone evident throughout this much-improved performance.
Speaking last week ahead of this 242nd Merseyside derby, Jurgen Klopp had been irked by questions concerning the skipper, even though they raised the valid point the player had perhaps been feeling the effects of having made 91 appearances since the start of last season. The Reds boss views failing as a collective, even if Henderson appeared refreshed from his recent spell on the bench.
The whole midfield, then, deserves credit. Fabinho, another recalled to the engine room in the absence of the crocked Thiago Alcantara after poor form had seen him deservedly dropped, was far more comfortable on his 200th Liverpool outing both with his positioning and use of the ball.
But the standout was Stefan Bajcetic, the teenager – making a fifth consecutive start – again grasping the opportunity made available by the failings of his more senior colleagues.
If there were some overly-ambitious touches during the first half, as is often the case with young players, Bajcetic soon learned amid the usual blood and thunder of a derby.
Such was his composure on the ball, intelligent positioning and willingness to get stuck in, it is easy to forget the Spaniard only turned 18 in October. Certainly, not since the days of Robbie Fowler has a Liverpool player of such a tender age made such a big impact in this fixture, the standing ovation on his late substitution richly deserved.
And with Henderson and Fabinho more than doing their bit, so ends the wait for a first Premier League win of the calendar year. A game Liverpool dare not lose was ultimately won comfortably. The recovery starts here – and Bajcetic is going to play a major part.
READ NEXT:
- Liverpool player ratings as Stefan Bajcetic and two others shine in win over Everton
- UEFA publish full report and apologise to Liverpool fans after Paris final chaos
- Will Ferrell didn't think he'd be invited back to Anfield to watch Liverpool
- Jurgen Klopp sends Fabinho message after 'not cool' Thiago Alcantara injury news for Liverpool
- What Virgil van Dijk told Cody Gakpo before scoring first goal for Liverpool against Everton
