Liverpool claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Virgil van Dijk's injury-time goal securing the three points in a thrilling Merseyside derby.
Liverpool arrived at the Everton ground in fifth place with 52 points from 32 matches. Everton sat tenth with 47 points, seeking to climb the table after a mixed run of form. The derby promised intensity and drama, with both sides hungry for the bragging rights that come with local supremacy.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 29th minute, firing Liverpool ahead with a clinical finish. The Egyptian forward's early goal gave the visitors control and forced Everton to respond. Liverpool's superior possession and passing accuracy dominated the opening period.
Everton struggled to create clear opportunities in the first half. Jordan Pickford received a yellow card in the 22nd minute as the home side found themselves under sustained pressure. Liverpool's attacking play proved too sharp for the Everton defense to handle.
The statistics reflected Liverpool's dominance. They completed 381 accurate passes from 454 attempts, achieving 84% accuracy. Everton managed 276 accurate passes from 354 attempts for 78% accuracy. Liverpool's expected goals stood at 1.11 compared to Everton's 0.8.
Everton emerged with renewed purpose after the break. Beto equalized in the 54th minute, turning the match on its head with a well-taken goal. The home crowd lifted, sensing an opportunity to take points from their rivals.
The second half became a tense affair. Both teams created chances but neither could establish clear control. Everton's attacking threat improved with Beto's introduction, though Liverpool remained dangerous on the counter-attack.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall impressed for Everton, earning a 7.9 rating and providing crucial support in midfield. James Garner tackled eight times and received a late yellow card in the 90+13th minute. Liverpool's Salah maintained a 7.5 rating despite the physical battle.
The drama intensified as the match entered added time. Van Dijk rose highest in the 90+10th minute to power home a header. Liverpool's defensive leader turned scorer when it mattered most, breaking Everton's resistance.
Everton finished with four shots on target from ten total attempts. Liverpool managed five shots on target from 11 total attempts. Both goalkeepers made three saves in a competitive encounter.
Liverpool's late winner lifted them to 55 points, maintaining their push for European qualification. Everton remained on 47 points, their hopes of climbing the table dealt a significant blow by this narrow defeat.
