Liverpool edged closer to lifting the Premier League title, as they overcame Everton 1-0 at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Arne Slot’s men have now moved 12 points clear at the top and need only 13 points from a possible 24 available to guarantee a record-equalling 20th league trophy.
Liverpool headed to the international break after being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United.
However, they returned to winning ways at the expense of their long-standing rivals Everton on Wednesday.
The visitors sought to frustrate their opponents by sitting deep, and that strategy looked to be working for them as they kept the score 0-0 until the end of the first-half.
Beto put the ball into the back of the net after outmuscling Virgil van Dijk, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
The 27-year-old landed another excellent opportunity, but this time failed to beat Caoimhin Kelleher in goal.
Liverpool increased the pressure after the break as Ryan Gravenberch forced a save from Jordan Pickford.
Then, in the 56th minute, Diogo Jota produced a moment of magic to break the deadlock, jinking past two players before slotting into the bottom corner.
Manager David Moyes featured Tim Iroegbunam, Ashley Young and Armando Broja off the bench, but Liverpool held on to seal a comfortable victory on Merseyside.
The result brought to an end Everton’s nine-game unbeaten run in the English top-flight that included wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.
But despite the defeat, the Blues are guaranteed to secure Premier League survival as they are 14 points above the relegation zone.
Moyes has transformed the fortunes of Everton since taking over from Sean Dyche in January.
The Scot has recorded four wins, five draws and three defeats in 12 matches in charge.
His side held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw in the final derby at Goodison Park in February, but they failed to replicate that feat on Wednesday as the Reds came out on top by a 1-0 scoreline.