Liverpool Close In on Premier League Glory After Narrow Win Over Everton | OneFootball

Jota Delivers Merseyside Magic as Liverpool Edge Everton in Title Pursuit

Title Push Gains Momentum After Derby Victory

Liverpool inched closer to what would be a record-equalling 20th top-flight crown with a gritty 1-0 win over Everton at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side now require just 13 points from the final 24 available to mathematically secure the Premier League title—a fitting reward for a season built on resilience, flair, and tactical evolution.

In a derby full of tension but short on clear chances, it was Diogo Jota who provided the decisive moment. The Portuguese forward had largely been kept quiet, drifting on the periphery of the game, until Luis Díaz’s intelligent backheel unlocked the blue wall. What followed was a moment of composure amid chaos.

Jota jinked through a cluster of Everton defenders, weaving past challenges before calmly dispatching the ball beyond Jordan Pickford. One touch to control, one to shape the body, and another to seal the points. These are the margins that define derby days and, potentially, Premier League titles.

Photo: IMAGO

Tarkowski Escapes Red as VAR Sparks Debate

Before Jota’s brilliance settled the contest, all talk had centred on James Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister. The Everton centre-back lunged in early on, winning the ball but catching Mac Allister high on the knee with his studs in the follow-through. Referee discretion and VAR protocol saw the incident end in only a yellow card.

It was, to many observers, a let-off. The follow-through endangered the opponent, regardless of intent or initial contact. The tackle sparked fury in the stands and scrutiny in the studio.

The VAR opted against upgrading to red, allowing Everton to continue at full strength.

Dominik Szoboszlai took the resulting free-kick, curling it just wide, while Mohamed Salah—otherwise quiet—missed a headed chance at the back post. Small margins again, but moments that could’ve swung momentum earlier.

Beto Battles Van Dijk in Rare Everton Threat

Despite sitting deep and inviting pressure, Everton did fashion a few chances of their own, largely through Beto, whose physicality unsettled Liverpool’s backline. He even had the ball in the net, only to see it chalked off for offside after bullying Virgil van Dijk in the build-up.

The striker again beat the Dutchman moments later, only to strike the post in a rare one-on-one with Caoimhin Kelleher, who deputised once more for the injured Alisson Becker.

Everton’s sporadic threats were never sustained, and as the game wore on, Liverpool grew stronger. Pickford did well to push away Ryan Gravenberch’s drive from distance, but the pressure eventually told. Jota’s 56th-minute goal was enough.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Side Stay Focused on History

There was a sense of occasion about this victory—an edge to the performance that goes beyond points. Winning derbies is about more than bragging rights; it’s a test of character, of mentality, of timing. Liverpool passed all three.

Slot will know that sterner tests remain, but his side are ticking boxes that title winners must. They overcame frustration, weathered physical duels, and found their moment of quality when it mattered most.

The red half of Merseyside can sense what’s coming. They won’t say it yet—but they’re close.