Everton vs Liverpool delivered Merseyside Derby drama as Virgil van Dijk powered home a stoppage-time header from a Dominik Szoboszlai corner to seal a 2-1 win at Hill Dickinson Stadium, boosting Liverpool’s Champions League hopes and putting them 7 points clear of Chelsea with 5 games left. Mohamed Salah’s 29th-minute opener via Cody Gakpo’s assist gave the Reds the lead, but Beto equalized in the 54th after a Mykolenko cross, setting up van Dijk’s heroic 10th-minute injury-time clincher.
Everton vs Liverpool Provided the Real Derby Thrill Mohamed Salah then put Liverpool ahead in the 29th minute and scored his 12th goal of the season after a stunning assist from Gakpo. Everton remained resolute but saw a Ndiaye goal set up by an impressive 70-yard long pass from Jordan Pickford ruled out after another intervention from VAR for offside. Dewsbury-Hall had come in with some meaty challenges, Salah intercepted a cross from Mykolenko. Liverpool led 1-0 at the break.
Beto would equalise in the 54th minute, sliding in to finish from Mykolenko’s left wing ball. Gakpo misjudged a pass from McNeil and Konaté was slow to react as Everton piled on some serious pressure. Edgar Maartin Mamardashvili, our colliding with Baker in the previous half, was replaced by Freddie Woodman for his first appearance in the Premier League. Woodman saved from Ndiaye and was then relieved to see a Robertson effort go wide. How Everton were able to withstand the pressure Liverpool threw at them right up until the end of what was a heated Merseyside derby.
Van Dijk’s Heroic Moment and Salah’s Dream
A well-executed set piece on 10 minutes of stoppage time saw Van Dijk meet an inswinging corner from Szoboszlai with a header that sped directly into the net! Salah was hoping to match Gerrard’s record of 9 Derby goals and this goal must have been disappointing as it meant the target had already slipped from his grasp. However, it did signal his 5th Derby goal of the campaign. By the looks of Robertson (who came off for a sub), Van Dijk, and Salah this win meant so much!
Everton vs Liverpool: Playoff Impacts
| Player | Goals | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Salah | 1 | 1 goal, 12th of the season |
| Beto | 1 | 3rd goal in 4 matches |
| Van Dijk | 1 | Match‑winner in a derby |
The Liverpool defence look vulnerable at times, but when it mattered they were clutch. The Everton defensive unit, with debutants galore in it, looked steady enough but the goalkeeper switch revealed a chink of steel. Click here, or on the image above to see more images from Everton 0-2 LiverpoolIn a long overdue Mikey comeback, Liverpool’s late scoring was back with a bang against Everton.
The Reds faithful celebrated outside Anfield as #MerseysideDerby began trending across social media. Salah had little success in the latest Derby personally – but saw his team rewarded with a huge confidence boost.
The Merseyside Derby was once again thrilling stuff in the Everton vs Liverpool clash. Van Dijk’s goal has therefore blown the doors of the Champions League wide open!
