Liverpool tightened their grip on the Premier League title race with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton, thanks to Diogo Jota’s clinical second-half strike at Anfield.
The Reds, now sitting comfortably atop the table with 73 points after 30 games, restored their 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. Meanwhile, Everton’s impressive nine-game unbeaten league run came to an end, leaving them in 15th place with 34 points, as reported by BBC Sports.
The Merseyside derby has always been a high-octane affair, and this encounter was no different. The last meeting in February ended in a chaotic 2-2 draw, featuring four red cards, including one for Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot. This time, the atmosphere at Anfield was electric from the start, intensified by a controversial early challenge that sparked outrage among the home crowd.
Everton’s James Tarkowski lunged in to clear the ball but caught Alexis Mac Allister high on the ankle with his studs. Referee Samuel Barrott issued only a yellow card, and VAR chose not to intervene, fueling further frustration among Liverpool fans.
After suffering back-to-back defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle—results that ended their Champions League and League Cup dreams—Liverpool looked lackluster in the first half. However, Slot’s men raised their game in the second half, determined not to let another trophy slip away.
The breakthrough came amid controversy. Luis Diaz, appearing to be in an offside position when Tarkowski intercepted a pass, capitalized on the loose ball and set up Jota. The Portuguese forward showed composure as he sliced past Idrissa Gueye and Tarkowski before smashing home his first goal since January.
Liverpool nearly doubled their lead when Diaz unleashed a thunderous strike, but Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacted sharply to keep his side in the contest. Pickford was later involved in another flashpoint when he brought down Darwin Nunez inside the box, though the referee had already halted play for an earlier foul.
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Despite Everton’s late push, Liverpool held firm, securing a crucial win that puts them within touching distance of what would be just their second league title in 35 years.
“Everton make it very difficult for you,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admitted post-match. “They have a certain way of playing. You have to be ready for it. They are very direct.
Jota, the match-winner, was thrilled with his contribution. “Hopefully, this gives us momentum,” he said. “I want this to be the start of a good run for me that can help the team. The only way forward is winning games.”
Everton manager David Moyes, while acknowledging Liverpool’s dominance, expressed frustration over the decisive goal. “Liverpool were the better team, but we showed great resilience and created chances. It’s gut-wrenching to lose to a goal we feel shouldn’t have stood,” he said. “This is our first defeat in 10 games. Liverpool are the best team in the league, but maybe next time, we’ll be closer to them.”
With the title within sight, Liverpool fans will now be daring to dream. Can the Reds hold their nerve and reclaim the crown?
