Liverpool secured a 1-0 triumph against Everton on Wednesday night at Anfield in the Premier League, winning for the 100th time in the Merseyside Derby.
The Reds will feel aggrieved that the Toffees were not reduced to 10 men when James Tarkowski tackled dangerously high on Alexis Mac Allister, but the VAR deemed a yellow card sufficient for the centre-back.
However, Liverpool were fortunate that Beto struck the post after Virgil van Dijk's error in his own half gave the Everton man a clear path to goal.
The Reds looked in control in the second half and eventually took the lead through Diogo Jota just before the hour mark after good link play with Luis Diaz.
Liverpool were able to hold onto their lead and move 13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, while the Toffees' defeat sees them end the day in 15th place with 34 points.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Arne Slot will be delighted to have avenged his side's 2-2 stalemate with Everton in the reverse fixture in February, but of more importance to the Dutchman will be the Premier League title race.
After watching Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 on Tuesday and close the gap to nine points, Liverpool's victory has helped to settle any remaining nerves.
Meanwhile, the work that David Moyes has done so far at Everton should not be forgotten despite their painful defeat against their fierce rivals.
LIVERPOOL VS. EVERTON HIGHLIGHTS
11th min: James Tarkowski (Everton) yellow card
🗣️ "That's a potential leg breaker"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
Gary Neville believes James Tarkowski was 'very lucky' to escape red for this challenge on Alexis Mac Allister 😳 pic.twitter.com/Di28mHouq2
Tarkowski clears the ball near his own penalty area but tackles dangerously high on Mac Allister, and the VAR bizarrely takes no further action.
An awful challenge!
33rd min: Beto (Everton) hits post
Huge chance! 😲
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
Beto breaks free but his effort crashes against the post! 💥 pic.twitter.com/Rz0ZtlouH7
Van Dijk looks like he will be able to comfortably clear the ball near the halfway line, but Beto gets the better of the Liverpool captain and races through to goal, but the Everton man strikes the left post.
So close from Beto!
Diogo Jota goal vs. Everton (57th min, Liverpool 1-0 Everton)
"The Reds BURST through on derby night!" 🎙️
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
Diogo Jota opens the scoring in the Merseyside derby in front of the Kop! 💥 pic.twitter.com/r2B3xRAfaa
After a clever flick from Diaz on the edge of the box, Jota dances his way to a central position inside the penalty area and sends Jordan Pickford the wrong way as he fires into the left of the net.
The deadlock is broken!
MAN OF THE MATCH - LUIS DIAZ
© Imago
Diaz at times looked flustered against Everton, but his flicked assist to Jota helped seal the victory for Liverpool.
It should also be noted that the winger won eight of his 12 duels in the game and created six chances, the most of any player on the pitch.
LIVERPOOL VS. EVERTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Liverpool 74%-26% Everton
Shots: Liverpool 17-5 Everton
Shots on target: Liverpool 3-0 Everton
Corners: Liverpool 11-5 Everton
Fouls: Liverpool 7-11 Everton
BEST STATS
63 - James Tarkowski now has the joint most yellow cards without ever being sent off in Premier League history (63). Physical. pic.twitter.com/arZXhrRYRZ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 2, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday to face Fulham on Sunday before hosting West Ham United at Anfield on the following Sunday.
As for Everton, they will welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park on Saturday, and Moyes's side will then take on Nottingham Forest on April 12.
Lewis Nolan
