Liverpool re-established its 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in the 246th Merseyside derby. Diogo Jota’s decisive goal just before the hour mark proved enough for the Reds, who further distanced themselves from second-placed Arsenal.
Everton made life difficult for Arne Slot’s men and had the better chances of the first half, with Beto hitting the post. But Liverpool asserted its dominance after the interval and finally made the breakthrough after a moment of class from Jota.
There was plenty of controversy about the goal, with Luis Diaz appearing offside in the build up while Liverpool was also incensed after James Tarkowski escaped a red card for a reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister. Here is what the UK national media made of the derby drama.
Paul Joyce – The Times: “Arne Slot has enjoyed more emphatic victories since arriving at Liverpool, but surely not one as cathartic as this. What better way to exorcise memories of losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United than by beating Everton and moving 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League again.
“Liverpool’s season has regained its momentum. That success in the Merseyside derby was far from pretty will not matter a jot to Slot, whose celebrations when Diogo Jota found a way through a massed defence shortly before the hour mark were laced with relief.
“His first season in England is inching closer to an incredible title triumph, with a maximum of 13 points now required to clinch the deal. The chant “We’re gonna win the league” could once again be the closing anthem.
“Liverpool’s job might have been made simpler if James Tarkowski had been shown a red card early on for what was essentially an attack on Alexis Mac Allister, but this victory was largely down to patience, perseverance and character.”
Andy Hunter – The Guardian : “Arne Slot was seen fist-pumping as he made his way down the Anfield tunnel, met with cheers from the Kop in response to Andy Robertson’s pleas. The 246th Merseyside derby was not just another step towards the Premier League title for Liverpool, but also a cathartic release, as evidenced by the reactions.
“The league leaders managed to shake off recent disappointments against Everton and two consecutive cup losses to secure a well-deserved derby victory, thanks to Diogo Jota’s superb solo goal.
“David Moyes believed that the goal which ended Everton’s nine-match unbeaten streak should have been ruled out due to Luis Diaz being offside in the build-up. He also admitted that James Tarkowski, Everton’s late saviour when the local rivals clashed 49 days ago, was fortunate not to receive a red card just 11 minutes into the game. Just another typical Merseyside derby controversy.
“Of more importance to Liverpool on this emotional occasion were the cold, hard facts of victory. It leaves Slot’s team needing a maximum of 13 points from the remaining eight games to have the Premier League trophy on display at Anfield once again, and to seal a record-equalling 20th league championship.
“The performance against an obstinate and dangerous Everton side was hardly enthralling but underpinned by an impressive determination to recover from a painful Champions League exit and deserved Carabao Cup final defeat before the international break.”
(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Andy Dunn – Daily Mirror: “In Grand National week on Merseyside, Diogo Jota made sure there will be no Devon Loch-style collapse in the title race. After the disappointments in the Champions League and Carabao Cup final, there were very faint suggestions that Arne Slot’s side might falter dramatically in the Premier League run-in, but crossing the winning line is now a formality.
“Just as it is a formality that this Everton manager does not win at Anfield, Jota’s moment of brilliance in a mediocre game making it 22 matches without a victory at the home of the champions-elect for David Moyes. Liverpool was far from its best but it is now just a question of keeping concentration and getting the job done as efficiently as possible so that it can start the party.
“And on this night, not only was Liverpool celebrating another derby win at Anfield, it was celebrating the fact that one of its players escaped serious injury. Strangely enough, the first 10 minutes or so had, by derby standards, been distinctly amicable but then a ricochet found its way into a small patch of land midway between James Tarkowski and Alexis Mac Allister.
“Old-fashioned types would refer to it as a hospital ball and let’s just say Tarkowski is, er, an old-fashioned type. And let’s just be thankful Mac Allister did not end up in hospital after Tarkowski cleaned out the ball then the man with a thunderously violent tackle.”
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Rich Jolly – The Independent : “A wild, out-of-control challenge on Alexis Mac Allister meant he clattered first ball and then man, his studs flying into the World Cup winner’s calf. Thankfully, eventually, Mac Allister was able to continue.
“For the 63rd time, Tarkowski was booked in the Premier League. But, despite a VAR check, he has still never been dismissed. It left Slot shaking his head, his reaction more measured than when Tarkowski levelled in the 98th minute two months ago. He was restrained in his comments, too. “Even people who are not liking Liverpool a lot are saying how clear and obvious it was,” he said.
“That may have been a reference to the observing Duncan Ferguson, a figure so intimidating that he was once jailed for an act of violence on the football field. An Everton cult hero deemed it a potential leg-breaker and asserted it deserved a red card. The officials disagreed, a decision even more puzzling from VAR Paul Tierney; Jurgen Klopp’s least favourite official may soon be equally unpopular with Slot.”
