The striker scored the only goal of the game against Everton in the Merseyside derby
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Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield on April 02, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has shared his delight at Diogo Jota ending his scoring drought as the Portuguese scored the winner for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby against Everton. The striker struck after 57 minutes, winning back possession before showing quick footwork and finishing well in the box after running onto Luis Diaz’s backheel.
His strike was his ninth of the season, and sixth in the Premier League, with the striker ultimately suffering another injury-plagued campaign.
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But he put his recent woes behind him with an improved performance against Everton, with his goal proving to be the difference at Anfield.
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And Slot was delighted to see Jota end his recent drought as victory saw Liverpool restore their 12-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
“Very pleased. He was close to it already in the first half,” the Dutchman said. “I think it was after seven, eight or nine minutes.
“It was not a surprise that they blocked that shot. Defensively they are an incredibly strong team. For him to come up in the second half, he had two of these moments as well and the other moment was blocked.
“Now he found just a bit of space and he scored the goal, which was nice for him but nice for us, the teammates, the staff and the fans.”
Jota had admitted last month that he was not in his best form for Liverpool following his injury struggles.
“It's been a difficult season for me personally,” he admitted ahead of facing PSG. “I had a few complications throughout the season.
“Obviously these last few months are the ones that matter the most, where you decide things. I don't feel I am at my best at the moment. But certainly by playing I will get there.
“And I always try to do my best no matter what. You never know [how long it takes]. It’s football, I don't play alone.
“It is not an individual sport so there are a lot of things you can't control yourself, but one thing you can control is to give your best and that’s always what I do on the pitch.”
He continued: “I don’t know (when I was last at my best). Obviously sometimes you can have bad games.
“Sometimes you can also have good games when that form is a certain amount of games. I think as long as you keep being useful to the team, that is most important.
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“Sometimes not only the stats, but the way you can connect to your team-mates and the way you can help the team defensively and how you can help the team get the win.
“That’s what I try to do every time I am on the pitch. As a striker, I want to get involved in scoring goals and creating those opportunities. Every game is a new opportunity to do that.”
But having recorded an assist for Portugal during the international break, Jota has now taken a further step forward for Liverpool.