A derby? This was more like a training session for rampant Reds

Liverpool clinched an embarrassingly easy triumph over Everton in what turned into a glorified training session for Jurgen Klopp's side.

The Reds warmed up for next week's Europa League semi-final with Villarreal in style on another night for Kopites to savour.

A week after treating Anfield to one of the most remarkable European fightbacks in history, Liverpool routed their neighbours from across Stanley Park in sparkling fashion.
There was a gulf in both class and spirit as Klopp enjoyed a dream first derby.

At times it had the feel of a testimonial as Liverpool toyed with the broken Blues. Every pass was greeted with cries of 'ole' from the Kop.

For opposite number, Roberto Martinez, who admitted he faced a “defining week”, this was a living nightmare as Liverpool put his side to the sword.

Having fielded his strongest line up in a desperate bid to build confidence ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United at Wembley, there was nowhere for the beleaguered Blues boss to hide. They were a shambles.

Everton have endured many chastening experiences at Anfield over the past 17 winless years but none quite like this. These are two clubs heading in very different directions.

The only sour note for Liverpool was the sight of Divock Origi being stretchered off after Ramiro Funes Mori was rightly dismissed for a sickening stamp on his ankle just after the interval.

The sight of the brainless Blues centre-back then patting the badge on his chest as he walked off – seemingly proud of what he had done – was unpalatable in the extreme.

By then the points were already secure. Origi had opened the floodgates with his fifth goal in as many games before Mamaodu Sakho's header made it 2-0.
With a numerical advantage, it was a procession. Everton effectively threw in the towel.

Daniel Sturridge, who replaced Origi, reached his half century for the club in just 87 appearances. In the post-War era only Albert Stubbins, Roger Hunt and Fernando Torres have reached that milestone quicker.

Sturridge also claimed the final touch on Philippe Coutinho's strike which completing the scoring.

With Origi set to miss the tie with Villarreal, Sturridge's importance to Liverpool grows still further. The good news is that he's operating close to the peak of his powers.

Such was the Reds' dominance that in truth they should have eclipsed the record 6-0 win they inflicted on Everton back in 1935. Only the heroics of Joel Robles spared Martinez from an unwanted slice of history.

It was a night which had actually started uneasily for Klopp with the Reds slow out of the traps. For 20 minutes Everton were first to everything and the manager grew increasingly irate on the touchline.

Adam Lallana should have settled the nerves after being released by Coutinho's pass but his finish was weak.

That opportunity came from an awful clearance by Bryan Oviedo and the Blues full-back, playing out of position on the right, was a glaring weak link throughout.

There were moments of concern as Kevin Mirallas twice surged into space on the counter but to the Reds' relief he was wasteful.

Once again when questions were asked, Liverpool's centre-backs stood firm.

Dejan Lovren, the hero against Dortmund a week ago, dealt expertly with the hulking frame of Romelu Lukaku. He simply refused to be bullied by the Blues' 25-goal marksman.

When Lukaku did find space in the penalty box it took a goal-saving tackle from the outstanding Sakho to deny him.

The Belgium international was just about to pull the trigger as Sakho extended his long right limb and nipped it away from him. Anfield roared its approval and belatedly Liverpool woke up.

They upped the tempo and started to move the ball at pace. Suddenly, Everton couldn't live with them.

Lallana, Coutinho and Roberto Firmino buzzed around with intent and the chances kept on coming.

Lucas Leiva's 20-yarder was beaten away by Robles before Lallana nodded just wide. Everton continued to be ripped apart with remarkable ease.

Firmino's control was classy as he plucked Milner's lofted pass out of the night's sky but Robles stuck out a leg and kept it out.

Finally, two minutes before the break the pressure told. Origi had been quiet up to that stage but he came alive to punish the Blues.

Milner got it back off Firmino and from close to the spot where he swung in the cross for Lovren's dramatic winner six days earlier, he produced another pin-point delivery. Origi soared above John Stones to send a header past Robles.

Liverpool went for the jugular and in first-half stoppage time they doubled their account.

Once again Milner was the creator as he bagged his 14th assist of an increasingly impressive first season with the Reds.

The stand-in captain played a one-two with Lallana and his cross put it on a plate for Sakho, who cemented his Kop idol status.

Having waited 28 months for one goal, the Reds centre-back gleefully nodded home his second in the space of a week before racing into the welcoming arms of substitute Kolo Toure.

Everton's resolve was broken and Funes Mori's act of cowardice early in the second half only served to spur Klopp's men on. There was a collective desire to make the visitors pay.

With Sturridge on for Origi there was no let-up. The England international needed just seven minutes to make it 3-0.

Lucas was alert to cut out Stones' pass and released Sturridge, who finished in style for his 10 goal of the campaign.

Everton's response from the kick-off was to lash it straight out of play. Anfield greeted that with ironic cheers and the away end began to empty.

The final half hour was effectively a training session – attack against defence. Someone should have fetched poor Simon Mignolet a deckchair. A Liverpool keeper has never had a quieter derby.

Joe Allen replaced Firmino and Jordon Ibe followed for the tireless Milner.

Coutinho, Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne all went close before the fourth finally arrived 14 minutes from time.

Clyne and Allen combined to tee up Coutinho, who swept it past Robles via a touch off Sturridge from the edge of the box.

It was party time on the Kop. 'We want five,' was followed by cries of 'attack, attack, attack'.

Liverpool should have rubbed salt into gaping rounds but somehow Everton escaped further damage.

What a difference to last October and that grim 1-1 draw at Goodison.

Liverpool have been transformed and they've left their neighbours behind.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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