Diogo Jota broke down Everton’s defensive resistance with a brilliant solo goal to hand Liverpool a crucial 1-0 win in the 246th Merseyside derby. The victory was not only a vital step towards securing the Premier League title but also a cathartic release for Liverpool after a series of recent disappointments, including exits from the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Liverpool’s league leadership is now more secure, with the team needing just 13 points from their final eight matches to clinch a record-equalling 20th league title. The win, however, was not without controversy and drama. Everton manager David Moyes felt that Jota’s goal should have been ruled out due to an offside infringement involving Luis Díaz in the build-up. Additionally, Moyes was left frustrated by referee Sam Barrott’s decision not to show a red card to James Tarkowski early in the match. Tarkowski was fortunate to escape punishment after a high-foot challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, which left the midfielder with visible stud marks.
The opening minutes set the tone for an intense encounter. Jota had already created Liverpool’s first opportunity, turning Tarkowski before seeing a shot blocked by Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. In the 11th minute, Tarkowski was lucky not to be sent off after a dangerous follow-through on Mac Allister. Although the referee awarded Tarkowski a yellow card, the video assistant referee (VAR) upheld the decision, much to the disbelief of Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Mac Allister made sure to highlight the injury caused by the foul as the teams continued to battle for dominance.
Despite controlling possession, Liverpool struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Mohamed Salah had an opportunity from a Díaz cross but his header was straight at Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Meanwhile, Everton looked dangerous, particularly through their striker Beto, who gave Liverpool’s central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté a tough time. Beto nearly found the net when Van Dijk misjudged a long pass, allowing Beto to race through and score, but the striker was offside. In another close call, Beto’s powerful strike struck the post after beating Caoimhín Kelleher, who was again standing in for the injured Alisson.
The first half ended with Everton missing a chance to go ahead. A free-kick from James Garner picked out an unmarked Carlos Alcaraz, but the midfielder misdirected his header wide of the target, much to the relief of Liverpool.
The second half saw a more determined Liverpool side, with Ryan Gravenberch beginning to influence the midfield. The pressure mounted on Everton as Liverpool pushed for the breakthrough. Finally, Jota delivered in the 65th minute. Díaz, who was offside initially when Gravenberch played the ball forward, made no attempt to play it, which allowed Tarkowski to misjudge his clearance. Díaz, now onside, slid a clever back-heel to Jota, who dribbled past Idrissa Gueye and Tarkowski before slotting the ball past Pickford with clinical precision.
Everton appealed for offside but were unsuccessful, and the game remained tilted in Liverpool’s favor. Despite a series of late changes from Moyes to turn the game around, Everton failed to threaten Liverpool’s lead. Even when Díaz had a chance to double Liverpool’s advantage, his effort was saved by Pickford. In the dying moments, a foul by Pickford on Darwin Núñez inside the Everton box was ruled out after a previous stoppage for a foul on Dominik Szoboszlai.
The victory was hard-fought but essential for Liverpool, who now look well on course to secure the Premier League title, while Everton’s frustrating defeat underlined the gap between the two teams.
