In a pulsating Merseyside derby, Liverpool edged past their local rivals Everton, moving one step closer to clinching a long-anticipated Premier League title. Under the stewardship of Arne Slot, the Reds require just 13 points from the remaining 24 to secure a record-equalling 20th top-flight championship.
The match at Anfield saw Everton’s resilient defence initially frustrate the home side, but Liverpool ultimately claimed victory thanks to a moment of brilliance from Diogo Jota. The Portuguese winger, largely a peripheral figure until then, latched onto Luis Diaz’s deft backheel, danced through several challenges, and coolly slotted the ball home.
Controversy abounded early on when Everton’s James Tarkowski received merely a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Alexis Mac Allister, raising eyebrows all around Anfield. The VAR review decided against upgrading the booking to a red, adding fuel to the heated exchanges on and off the pitch.
Liverpool spurned chances as Dominik Szoboszlai narrowly missed with a free-kick, while Mohamed Salah’s header was well-saved by Everton’s Jordan Pickford. Everton, however, were not without their own threats, with Beto outmuscling Virgil van Dijk only to see his effort ruled out for offside, and later striking the post in a one-on-one with Caoimhin Kelleher.
As the Reds turned the screw in the second half, Ryan Gravenberch’s powerful strike was kept out by Pickford, but it was Jota’s 56th-minute heroics that ultimately separated the sides.
Title Within Reach for Liverpool
As the final whistle blew, the Kop End reverberated with chants of “We’re gonna win the league,” with Liverpool fans sensing a second Premier League triumph is on the horizon. Sitting 12 points clear with eight fixtures remaining, Slot’s men are targeting glory, having lost just once in the league thus far.
Slot, seamlessly succeeding the iconic Jürgen Klopp, has crafted a side that excels at both ends of the pitch—with a league-best 70 goals and joint-top 13 clean sheets. Liverpool’s recent European and domestic cup disappointments have not derailed their league campaign, underlined by Jota’s timely intervention to break the deadlock.
With traditional adversaries Manchester City and Arsenal underperforming, the path seems clear for Liverpool to potentially seal the title as early as 20 April at Leicester, contingent on favourable results elsewhere.
Everton Left to Rue Missed Chances
Everton’s defeat spells the end of their nine-match unbeaten streak, with manager David Moyes continuing his poor record at Anfield. Despite getting the better of Van Dijk, Beto’s missed opportunity in the first half epitomised Everton’s inability to capitalise on key moments.
The night could have taken a different turn had Tarkowski’s challenge seen him dismissed, yet VAR’s decision to uphold the yellow card meant the match’s outcome remained untouched.
Wednesday’s result adds another chapter to Moyes’ Anfield woes as the Scotsman searches for elusive victory number 21 at this storied venue.
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