After containing champions-elect Liverpool for almost an hour, Everton were left to rue a couple of golden chances in front of the Kop as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Anfield when ‘crossing the park’ for the final time in a Merseyside Derby. Beto had the ball in the Reds’ net when he nutmegged Caoimhin Kelleher but his effort was ruled out for offside and then the Blues striker had another big opportunity to break the deadlock, only for his shot to hit the post when played through one-on-one.
In contrast, the ruthless Diogo Jota showed the visitors how to do it as he capitalised on a scuffed clearance from James Tarkowski to dance through the Everton defence and score the only goal of the game. It was a first defeat in 10 Premier League matches for David Moyes, but the result ensured the Scot’s winless record at Anfield continues.
Jordan Pickford 7
Let down by those in front of him for the goal, he’d earlier twice denied Ryan Gravenberch, the first of which was deflected off James Tarkowski, and looked calm on the ball, although he was involved in a late challenge with Nunez that had the Kop baying.
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Liverpool vs Everton LIVE - final score, Diogo Jota goal, highlights, Slot and Moyes reaction
Jake O’Brien 7
Was up against it, going toe-to-toe against the tricky Luis Diaz who also needs no invitation to go to ground, although he is held his own.
Vitalii Mykolenko 7
Did well to contain Liverpool danger man Mohamed Salah, having won his fitness battle after going off injured for Ukraine in Belgium.
James Tarkowski 6
Everton’s saviour in the final Goodison Park derby but it was his unconvincing clearance that played his side into danger for the goal and despite playing the pass to Beto for his disallowed offside goal, he was fortunate only to get booked for a high challenge on Alexis Mac Allister early on.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
Brave header to get to a loose ball ahead of Mohamed Salah and made a crucial block on a shot from Diogo Jota, he also looked assured in possession.
Idrissa Gueye 7
Disciplined display, providing a strong shield in front of his back four that Liverpool had to work hard to get through, but Jota danced around him for the goal.
James Garner 6
Some tidy bits of play among the derby chaos, he showed some silk as well as steel, without things quite coming off the way he would have liked.
Jack Harrison 6
Typically industrious down the right wing but it was more perspiration that inspiration and he needed to show more quality and decisiveness.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 6
Pantomime villain with some of the home fans, he played a clever pass to pick out Beto for his big chance he should have done better with and led the press.
Carlos Alcaraz 7
Purposeful display, making strong runs and offering moments of quality but with Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured for Liverpool, Everton should have tested their hosts more down that flank.
Beto 6
An all-action display but his night will be remembered for hitting the post when he should have put Everton in front, having already had the ball in the net at the Kop end when nutmegging Caoimhin Kelleher and then needlessly shown a yellow card for kicking the ball away.
Substitutes
Iliman Ndiaye (on 69 for Harrison) 6
Everton’s top scorer came off the bench for his first action in seven weeks since leaving the last derby injured in tears but his welcome return failed to find an equaliser.
Tim Iroegbunam (on 78 for Garner)
Late cameo from midfielder as part of a triple switch.
Armando Broja (on 78 for Beto)
Ditto, and got caught offside when in a promising position late on.
Ashley Young (on 78 for Alcaraz)
Late run-out for Everton’s oldest ever outfield player.
Youssef Chermiti (on 85 for Doucoure)
Last throw of the dice.