The ECHO's Liverpool jury writers have had their say on the Reds' dramatic win over Everton and what comes next.
Liverpool players celebrate after beating Everton at Hill Dickinson stadium
Liverpool players celebrate after beating Everton at Hill Dickinson stadium(Image: Phil Oldham/Shutterstock)
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Liverpool's Premier League title defence may be one to forget, but their prospects of qualifying for next season's Champions League have increased considerably since Sunday's Merseyside derby.
The Reds spoiled Everton's party at the first-ever Merseyside Derby to be staged at Hill Dickinson stadium by snatching a 100th-minute winner thanks to Virgil van Dijk. But winning in the Blues' new ground wasn't the only highlight. Victory opened up a gap between the Reds in fifth place and the rest of the chasing pack, which is now led by Brighton & Hove Albion after the Seagulls thumped Chelsea 3-0 on Tuesday evening.
Arne Slot's side enjoys a five-point cushion in their quest for another season of Champions League football, but with five games still to play, there is still plenty of work to get the job done.
The ECHO's Liverpool FC jury writers have shared their thoughts on Sunday's Derby victory and what lies ahead.
Andrew Cullen
Derby day delirium. In a season where we have had to swallow the bitter pill of a last-minute defeat all too often, it was joyous to be the team snatching victory in the dying moments, especially against our blue neighbours. More broadly, it was three points against an inferior team, but in a season that has had little cheer about it, the result turned frowns into smiles, even if it was only for a couple of days.
The victory also gives us some breathing space from Chelsea, who are currently searching in the dark for performances and a new manager. In a season of inconsistency, we really do need some consistency now, as we head towards the final sprint for European qualification. With Hugo's desperately frustrating injury, surely young Rio needs to be given a spot for the rest of the season.
There appears to be a shape-shifting narrative over whether Slot will stay or go. Regardless of who leads the team next season, it will need to be a summer reset and a summer to reflect.
James Noble
Big, transcendent moments and compelling, fulfilling stories tend to play such a significant part in football at its best – and, indeed, in success within it. Liverpool, broadly, have delivered plenty of those over the last decade or so, even within trickier spells. But, while there has been drama, 2025/26’s on-field narrative has arguably lacked such vigour.
Sunday, in many respects, felt different. The 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton in the sides’ first meeting at Hill Dickinson Stadium was full of feeling, meaning and consequence – in the context of this season and beyond.
Mohamed Salah’s coolly converted opener, following that sublime Cody Gakpo pass, cued aptly joyous celebrations with that away end. Freddie Woodman stepped between the sticks with admirable composure and looks likely to start at Anfield this weekend. Virgil van Dijk’s winner, meanwhile, carried cheerful echoes of his debut Kop end clincher against the Toffees in 2018, and secured a first away derby success since 2021 and further strengthened our top-five chances.
We’re well-placed, but there remains work to do, of course. Crystal Palace may factor their upcoming Conference League semi-final into their approach on Saturday, but they’ll still surely be keen to gain momentum. Beating the Eagles at Anfield for the first time since 2021 would add a neat symmetry to an enlivening week that can hopefully enhance the longer-term trajectory.