A potential leg breaking ‘tackle’ by Tarkowski on Alexis Mac Allister might have remained the talking point of this game, had Diogo Jota not secured all three points for Liverpool’s 100th Merseyside Derby victory. After two consecutive defeats, victory felt essential for Liverpool, and they now need just 13 points to secure a record-equalling 20th top-flight league title.
An improved performance from Arne Slot’s men was a must, following such an insipid display at Wembley and, though Liverpool were not at their best, this was a deserved victory. With much of the game being played in Everton’s half, Liverpool had plenty of the ball, but failed to move the ball quickly enough, took too many touches and, at times, failed to shoot when the opportunity presented itself. Luis Diaz huffed and puffed out wide. Jota, though better than his more recent displays, still looked rusty, whilst Mo Salah was often shackled by an organised, determined showing from Everton.
The visitors from across Stanley Park could have taken the lead. Beto hit the post following an error by Virgil van Djik, having previously seen a goal chalked off for offside. That was as good as it got for Everton, with Curtis Jones putting in an impressive display at right back due to injury to both Conor Bradley and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool meanwhile, were restricted to half-chances, with the final pass not quite right and Everton defenders successfully throwing their bodies in the way. Pickford however, had very few saves to make, despite having to face corner after corner in front of the Anfield Road.
Liverpool upped the tempo attacking the Kop in the second half and, just before the hour came the only goal of the game. Jota danced his way through a packed defence, after a cute pass from Diaz. VAR rightly disregarding the fact that he’d been in an off-side position just seconds before, when Tarkowski failed to properly clear his lines. The comments of David Moyes post-match, when claiming the goal should have been disallowed, entirely ignored the fact that the centre-half shouldn’t have even been on the pitch, following his x-rated tackle in the first half.
With half an hour to play and Liverpool clearly in control, a second goal would no doubt have calmed the nerves. Yet, it just wouldn’t come and, with Everton sensing the chance to once again spoil the party just as they did at Goodison just seven weeks ago, Slot made the changes. Darwin Nunez, Wataru Endo and Cody Gakpo, all coming on, as six minutes of injury time were added.
Liverpool managed to see out the remaining minutes with little real alarm. In so doing, they secured a 13th clean sheet of the season and their first 1-0 home league victory for two years. A trip to the capital awaits on Sunday and, with Arsenal once again playing 24 hours before them at Everton, victory at Craven Cottage will maintain a momentum, that is surely taking them to a second Premier League title in five years.
