Fight, fight, fight. It’s a mantra from one of Everton’s most renowned terrace chants, the demand that nothing is left behind in the wearing of a Royal Blue jersey.
Those words came to mind in the 19th minute of the 206th Merseyside derby as a stark reminder. As supporters started streaming for the exits, there was no sign of fight. It was quite the opposite, in fact. Here was a bleak picture of surrender.
Evertonians had feared the worst ahead of this latest neighbourhood squabble and as Liverpool threatened to cut loose, it was too much for many to handle.