Virgil van Dijk’s header in the 100th minute gave Liverpool a dramatic 2-1 win over Everton in the first Merseyside derby at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The victory moved Liverpool closer to Champions League qualification and provided a much-needed response after their midweek elimination from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish after a fine pass from Cody Gakpo, who started ahead of Rio Ngumoha. Everton had a goal disallowed for offside before Salah struck, with Iliman Ndiaye’s finish ruled out after a VAR check.
Everton equalised in the second half when Beto slid home from a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall cross, despite colliding with Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The hosts had earlier missed a glaring chance when Beto shot wide with only the keeper to beat.
Liverpool had threatened from set pieces throughout and finally capitalised in the 10th minute of added time. Van Dijk held off James Tarkowski to convert Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner at close range, sparking celebrations among the visiting supporters. The win lifted Liverpool up the Premier League table and boosted their hopes of a top-four finish.
