Liverpool 1-0 Everton: Diogo Jota fires Reds past Toffees in tense Merseyside derby
Liverpool took another step toward the Premier League title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton in a tense Merseyside derby, as Diogo Jota's second-half strike secured victory at Anfield on Wednesday.
The league leaders, now on 73 points after 30 matches, restored their 12-point advantage over Arsenal, while Everton, whose nine-game unbeaten league run came to an end, remain 15th with 34 points.
Everton’s Beto had an early goal ruled out for offside before squandering a golden opportunity, while Jota ended his two-and-a-half-month goal drought in the 57th minute. The Portuguese forward capitalized on a brilliant back-heel assist from Luis Diaz, evaded a challenge, and slotted the ball home, igniting celebrations across Anfield.
"Massive, of course," Jota said. "Not only because it is a derby, but because of the (first game since the) international break. It was important to start with three points and hopefully that gives us momentum for the rest of the season."
Liverpool supporters were incensed when Everton's James Tarkowski was only booked for a robust tackle on Alexis Mac Allister in the 11th minute. The incident, reviewed by VAR, added to the already charged atmosphere, especially given the history of fiery encounters between these two rivals.
Their previous clash in February ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, featuring four red cards, including one for Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Despite an impressive 26-game unbeaten league run, Liverpool entered this match on the back of a disappointing spell, having been eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and losing to Newcastle United in the League Cup final.
Everton came close to taking the lead when Beto outpaced Virgil van Dijk and rounded goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, only to see his shot ricochet off the post. Kelleher, filling in for Alisson, who is recovering from a concussion sustained on international duty, remained largely untested for the remainder of the game.
Tarkowski’s challenge on Mac Allister sparked controversy, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville describing it as a "potential leg breaker." Everton boss David Moyes, however, defended his captain, saying, "I thought at the time that it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game."
Van Dijk acknowledged the challenge posed by Everton’s physical approach. "We were playing against Everton, they make it very difficult for you," he said. "They have a certain way of playing and you have to be ready for it. The first half wasn't our greatest but we kept a clean sheet and obviously Jota made a fantastic goal. Three points and we move on."
Moyes, who has now failed to win at Anfield in 22 attempts with various clubs, expressed his frustration over Jota’s goal. "Liverpool were the better team, there's no doubt about that," he admitted. "But I don't like the goal, I think the goal was offside. I'm really surprised it wasn't given. Or maybe I'm not surprised. I don't think many managers come here and think that they get loads of decisions at Anfield generally."
SportsLigue