FANS labelled Vitalii Mykolenko a “cyborg” and couldn’t believe his “ankle is still attached to his body” after the Everton defender CARRIED ON despite a gruesome injury.
Mykolenko’s left ankle was caught by Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez and looked distorted as it crumpled under him during Wednesday’s Premier League derby at Goodison Park.
He hobbled up and after lengthy treatment limped off the pitch for a while.
Yet the Toffees made no substitution in the remaining few minutes of the first half.
And even though Mykolenko was replaced by Ashley Young for the second period, viewers were still astonished by his ability to walk away from the sickening twist of his foot
One fan said: “Mykolenko is an f***ing Cyborg, isn’t he? How the hell is he still on the pitch?”
Another posted: “Can’t believe Mykolenko’s ankle is still attached to his body.”
And plenty of observers admitted their surprise that the Ukrainian left-back was able to get up – let alone limp away.
Those comments included: “Mykolenko stayed on after this” … Mykolenko is still walking?” … and “How the hell did Mykolenko run this off!!”
Many fans reckoned his spirit summed up Everton’s display as they rocked Liverpool’s title hopes.
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Jarrad Branthwaite hit their opener on 27 minutes before Dominic Calvin-Lewin doubled the Toffees’ lead just before the hour.
Liverpool were hungry for the victory needed to put pressure on Prem Leaders Arsenal.
And Everton were just as desperate for three points as they seek to put more distance between themselves and the bottom three.
But for many supporters Mykolenko’s powers of resilience were almost as fascinating as the battle for Merseyside pride.
“My ankle was hurting just looking at it,” said one viewer.
And another fan was partly right when he posted: “Crazy. Surely he’s off at half time once he’s had a little break.”