Player Ratings: Liverpool Defeat Everton in Derby as Title Bid Gains Further Momentum | OneFootball

Liverpool See Off Everton in Derby Duel to Stay on Course for Premier League Glory

Derby Win Fuels Liverpool Title Charge

On a night coloured by chaos, control, and character, Liverpool took a significant stride towards a record-equalling 20th English league title. A 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby was more about patience than polish, more about composure than chaos. In a match where the visitors edged the first half in chances, it was Diogo Jota’s clinical finish that settled matters and left the Premier League leaders closing in on history.

Everton will rue their missed opportunities. Beto had a goal ruled out for offside, struck the post one-on-one with Caoimhin Kelleher, and unsettled Liverpool’s backline with direct running. But when it came to precision in decisive moments, it was the red half of Merseyside who found a way.

Controversy Defines First Half

Much of the first-half narrative was shaped not by goals, but by flashpoints. Everton skipper James Tarkowski avoided a red card after a high, reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister, one that incensed the Anfield crowd but received only a yellow. Liverpool could have unravelled, but instead stayed compact and focused.

To Everton’s credit, they looked organised and combative. Vitaliy Mykolenko and Idrissa Gueye patrolled their left side with intelligence, and Jordan Pickford was solid when called upon. But in matches like these, defensive resilience alone is rarely enough.

Photo: IMAGO

Diaz and Jota Combine for Key Moment

Liverpool’s breakthrough came just before the hour mark. Luis Díaz, inventive and fearless, flicked the ball exquisitely in the box. Jota, always sharp in tight spaces, showed deft footwork and slotted home through a crowd. It was a goal built on instinct and drilled understanding.

The goal deflated Everton, and while they remained competitive, they never truly looked like recovering. Liverpool controlled the tempo from that point, using the midfield intelligence of Ryan Gravenberch and the leadership of Virgil van Dijk to guide the game to a calm conclusion.

Liverpool Keep Eyes on Bigger Prize

It wasn’t Liverpool’s most dominant derby performance, but it didn’t need to be. Arne Slot has instilled a maturity in this side—a knowledge of when to accelerate and when to hold firm. With Mohamed Salah unusually quiet and Dominik Szoboszlai still searching for rhythm, others stepped up.

This was a victory for depth, structure, and belief. Liverpool keep marching towards the Premier League finish line—and Merseyside remains red.

Photo: IMAGO

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