Virgil van Dijk scored a 100th-minute header to secure a 2–1 victory for Liverpool over Everton in the first Merseyside derby held at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Liverpool captain climbed above James Tarkowski to guide his team to a dramatic win, with Arne Slot’s key players delivering when it mattered most. Mohamed Salah had “slotted” the Reds ahead in the first half, but Beto responded with an equaliser early after the break.
David Moyes might have felt his side deserved at least that much after their spirited display, yet their hopes were dashed when Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a corner that Van Dijk converted to seal a memorable finish.
The result moves Liverpool seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea with five matches remaining, boosting their push for Champions League qualification. Everton, meanwhile, miss the opportunity to climb to sixth and stay tenth in the Premier League.
How the Merseyside derby unfolded
Everton began the 248th Merseyside derby — and the first at this ground — with intent, as Beto threatened twice but was denied by Giorgi Mamardashvili and his own finishing. Ndiaye’s moment was ruled out by the flag.
A VAR review later showed Jake O’Brien offside in the build-up. While Everton fans were still reacting, Salah struck, connecting with a brilliant pass from Cody Gakpo to score the first derby goal at the venue.
Despite a challenging final season at Liverpool, Salah created another lasting memory for supporters, adding his name to derby history once again while Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz struggled to influence proceedings.
Beto, however, wasn’t finished. Everton raised their intensity in the second half, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross found the striker, who made no mistake with the equaliser after an impressive showing.
Still, Everton suffered late heartbreak. What started with Salah scoring the first derby goal at the stadium ended with Van Dijk netting the first winner there, as the two Liverpool icons ultimately decided the contest to the delight of the travelling fans.
Carragher: Huge for Liverpool
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher said:
“The result is absolutely huge for Liverpool when you consider the Chelsea result yesterday.
“When that board went up for 11 minutes, I’d have shook with anyone and taken a point from a Liverpool point of view.
“With the situation with the goalkeeper, Everton were a little bit more threatening. Liverpool were a small team towards the end of that game and I was fearful of set-pieces.
“When you think of how Liverpool have won this game — two of the absolute legends of the club have done it. They won’t be here much longer. Salah and probably Van Dijk in 12 months’ time.
“Two of the absolute greats. Salah has done it again against Liverpool’s biggest rivals, as he always does. Against Everton or Man Utd, you can always rely upon him.”
