- Everton defeated Liverpool 2-0 at home, in a fierce Merseyside derby, to severely damage Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League.
- In the 27th minute, Jarrad Branthwaite’s shot slipped under Alisson Becker to give the Toffees the lead.
- Sean Dyche’s team extended their lead with a header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the 58th minute.
Everton defeated Liverpool 2-0 at home, in a fierce Merseyside derby, to severely damage Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League.
In the 27th minute, Jarrad Branthwaite’s shot slipped under Alisson Becker to give the Toffees the lead.
After withstanding some Liverpool pressure towards the conclusion of the first half, Sean Dyche’s team extended their lead with a header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the 58th minute.
The Reds managed to rattle the post, but Luis Diaz was unable to get the Reds back into the game, therefore Everton was able to enjoy their first home win in a Merseyside derby since October 2010.
Jurgen Klopp’s dreams of winning a league title in his last season as Liverpool manager are now in shambles following his first loss at Goodison Park.
The Reds are only one point ahead of Manchester City, who have two games remaining, and three points behind leaders Arsenal.
How the game unfolded
Calvert Lewin celebrates scoring against Liverpool. Photo/ Reuters
When referee Andy Madley signaled for a penalty after Alisson had taken down Calvert-Lewin, the hosts believed they had been given an early chance to grab the lead.
The delight of the home crowd was short-lived, yet, as replays revealed that Calvert-Lewin had drifted into an offside position, preventing Everton from taking advantage of a penalty kick.
James Tarkowski met Dwight McNeil’s floating free-kick a little more than ten minutes later, nodding the ball across goal for Calvert-Lewin to attack. However, Allison made an instinctive save to keep the headed attempt out.
Just before the half-hour mark, Everton’s constant pressure paid off when Branthwaite scored his third goal of the year after Liverpool was unable to clear their lines from a free-kick.
The Everton defender was able to get a shot off beneath Alisson and past the goal line when the ball nicely broke to him.
After a sluggish start, Darwin Nunez’s one-on-one with Jordan Pickford in the 35th minute gave Liverpool their first real opportunity, but the England international could only hit the effort straight at him.
As the first half came to an end, Nunez headed the ball into Duiz’s path, but the Everton goalkeeper made a good save.
McNeil led Everton’s charge for a second goal after the team had taken a slender lead into halftime, his powerful shot forcing an incredible fingertip save out of Alisson.
But the goalie for Liverpool was powerless to stop Calvert-Lewin from scoring from the next corner.
Rising above everyone in the area, the Everton striker met McNeil’s long corner and thundered a powerful header beyond the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Diaz, desperate to cut the gap to two goals, came agonizingly close to scoring with his right foot but his effort struck the far post.
Konate battles the ball with McNeil. Photo/ Everton
Even when Harvey Elliott pushed Pickford into a late save, Everton ended the match with little drama and three crucial points. In the end, Liverpool were unable to achieve their best form.
“Very disappointed in so many ways and I think everyone has to look in the mirror look at their own performances, did they give everything and do they really want to win the league?” Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool captain, stated.
The Toffees are eight points clear of the bottom three and might still secure safety despite being docked eight points.
Liverpool can fall to third place if Man City wins their match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday and earn at least one point.
Everton will be riding high heading into their home match against Brentford, while the Reds will need to get back into shape for their trip to West Ham United on Saturday.
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