Jota strikes as Liverpool edge Everton 1-0 in combative derby
Liverpool extended their 12-point advantage at the top of the Premier League after Diogo Jota’s goal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Everton in a typically fierce Merseyside derby on Wednesday evening.
The match started with intensity, as Everton’s captain, James Tarkowski, was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister, setting the tone for a combative contest. Despite the early aggression, Everton came close to breaking the deadlock, with Beto hitting the post in the first half. However, Liverpool took control just before the hour mark when Jota capitalised on a loose ball in the box, firing it past Jordan Pickford to give the home side the lead.
The victory leaves Liverpool needing just 13 points from their remaining eight games to seal their 20th top-flight title, which would equal the record. This comes after a tumultuous period that saw the team suffer back-to-back defeats in the Champions League and League Cup.
The two teams had a tense encounter at Goodison Park in February, with four red cards being handed out after a dramatic 2-2 draw. In the early stages of this match, there was further controversy as Tarkowski was fortunate to avoid a red card for a challenge on Mac Allister, although VAR did not intervene.
Everton travelled to Anfield in high spirits following their resurgence under David Moyes, with the team all but securing survival. However, they were unable to capitalise on two close calls before halftime, as Beto’s goal was ruled out for offside and then the striker hit the post after a defensive error from Virgil van Dijk.
Despite previous setbacks, Liverpool came out with more intensity in the second half to maintain their title challenge. The opening goal arrived amid more controversy when Luis Diaz, initially offside, flicked the ball into Jota’s path. The Portuguese forward coolly slotted home to end his goal drought, securing all three points.
Liverpool’s frustration almost boiled over when Pickford brought down Darwin Nunez in the penalty area late in the game, but the referee had already blown for a foul earlier in the move. Liverpool saw out the remaining minutes to secure a vital win in their pursuit of the title.
