Virgil van Dijk’s late header earned Liverpool a 2-1 victory over Everton in the maiden Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Reds captain powered home a header in the 100th minute to deliver a much-needed win and move the Arne Slot’s side closer to securing Champions League qualification. Mo Salah had opened the scoring for Liverpool in the first half, with Beto equalising for the Toffees in the second period. And while a draw probably would have been fair on the balance of things, Van Dijk came up with a monumental moment to earn the visitors all three points.
Match report
Everton went close to breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute when Beto was picked out inside the box but saw his header well saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Mamardashvili was called into action nine minutes later when he pushed a James Garner free-kick clear, although the offside flag had been raised. Everton continued to apply the pressure and thought they had broken the deadlock on 27 minutes when Jake O’Brien’s cross picked out Iliman Ndiaye who kept him composure to finish.
The home faithful erupted but their celebrations were curtailed when the goal was checked by VAR and O’Brien was adjudged to have been in an offside position.
It proved a crucial juncture as Liverpool suddenly gained momentum. Cody Gakpo prodded a shot into the arms of Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford but seconds later, the Reds were ahead. Everton gave away possession cheaply and Gakpo spotted the run of Salah, who kept his composure to finish beyond Pickford.
Liverpool started the second period in control but it was Everton who conjured up the first opportunity - and restored parity. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sent in a low cross from the left and Beto displayed the desire to get in front of Andy Robertson, with his sliding effort finding the back of the net.
Gakpo had two decent opportunities to restore Liverpool’s lead, firstly dragging a shot wide before having a header well cleared by Blues captain James Tarkowski.
It appeared that the spoils would be shared - and it probably would have been the right result. But in the 10th minute of stoppage-time, Liverpool won a corner that Dominik Szoboszlai swung into the box and Van Dijk displayed the desire to get his head on the delivery and crash home beyond Pickford.
The triumph ensured that Liverpool moved seven points clear of sixth-place Chelsea in the pursuit of Champions League qualification with five matches remaining.
Liverpool player ratings vs Everton
Made a crucial save to keep the game level in the first half. Subbed off when getting injured when Beto equalised.
1. Girogi Mamardashvili - 7
Made a crucial save to keep the game level in the first half. Subbed off when getting injured when Beto equalised. | Getty Images
Generally sound operating as a right-back in the first half, giving Liverpool more in possession. A couple of scary moments in the second half but showed bravery on the ball and was one of the better performers.
2. Curtis Jones - 8
Generally sound operating as a right-back in the first half, giving Liverpool more in possession. A couple of scary moments in the second half but showed bravery on the ball and was one of the better performers. | Getty Images
Pretty faultless in the first half. Maybe should have been tighter to block the cross for Everton's equaliser but was otherwise excellent.
3. Ibrahima Konate - 8
Pretty faultless in the first half. Maybe should have been tighter to block the cross for Everton's equaliser but was otherwise excellent. | Getty Images
Made four clearances in the first half. Solid after the break then produced what big players do.
4. Virgil van Dijk - 8
Made four clearances in the first half. Solid after the break then produced what big players do. | Getty Images