In a typically fiery Merseyside derby that crackled with intensity from the first whistle, Liverpool emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Everton at a raucous Anfield. The match, however, was completely transformed by a controversial second-half sending off that left the Toffees facing an uphill battle.
The game's major flashpoint arrived in the 55th minute when Everton's stalwart defender, Ashley Young, received his second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Luis Díaz. The dismissal forced Sean Dyche's side to play the remainder of the match with ten men, fundamentally shifting the balance of power.
Despite their numerical advantage, Liverpool struggled for large periods to break down a resolute and deeply disciplined Everton defence. The visitors, organised and defiant, repelled wave after wave of Liverpool attacks, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making several crucial saves to keep the scoreline level.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 75th minute. Substitute Michael Keane was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area after a lengthy VAR review. Egyptian King Mohamed Salah stepped up and made no mistake, smashing the ball past Pickford to send the Kop into delirium.
As Everton desperately pushed for a late equaliser, Liverpool sealed the three points in stoppage time. A devastating counter-attack, launched by Darwin Núñez, found Salah completely unmarked to tap in his second of the game and secure a vital victory for the Reds.
Ten-Man Toffees' Valiant Stand
Everton's performance, particularly after going a man down, was one of immense grit and determination. Manager Sean Dyche had set his team up to frustrate Liverpool, and for over an hour, the plan worked to perfection. The defensive unit of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite was exceptional, throwing their bodies on the line to block shots and clear danger.
Salah the Derby Hero Again
Once again, Mohamed Salah proved to be the derby match-winner. The prolific forward kept his cool under immense pressure to convert the decisive penalty and was in the right place at the right time to kill the game off. His brace continues his remarkable scoring record against Liverpool's closest rivals.
The result sees Liverpool temporarily move to the top of the Premier League table, applying pressure on their title rivals. For Everton, it's a heartbreaking defeat built on a foundation of incredible resilience that ultimately crumbled under a moment of madness and a clinical Egyptian finisher.
