Virgil van Dijk struck deep into stoppage time to hand Liverpool a thrilling win over Everton in the first Premier League Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
In a dramatic encounter, Mohamed Salah had given Liverpool the lead against the run of play in the first half, only for Beto to bring Everton level after the break.
But with the game heading towards a draw, Van Dijk rose to meet Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner in the 100th minute to snatch all three points.
Everton had started brightly and thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Iliman Ndiaye found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.
Moments later, Liverpool punished them as Salah combined with Cody Gakpo before finishing clinically - his ninth goal in this fixture, equalling the Premier League record.
The hosts responded well, capitalising on defensive lapses as Beto converted Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross to level the match.
Everton continued to press, while Liverpool were forced into a goalkeeping change after Giorgi Mamardashvili picked up an injury, with Freddie Woodman making his first Premier League appearance since 2021.
Chances came at both ends late on, but it was Liverpool who delivered the decisive blow.
In the 10th minute of added time, Van Dijk powered home to break Everton hearts once again.
The result strengthens Liverpool’s grip on a Champions League place, leaving them seven points clear of sixth, while also continuing their remarkable record of late winners against their city rivals.
Everton’s energetic start and attacking intent suggested they could trouble Liverpool, but missed chances and the disallowed goal proved costly.
Beto was a constant threat before his departure due to injury, and David Moyes’ side showed resilience to fight back.
However, another late defeat to their rivals will sting, continuing a frustrating pattern for Everton in this fixture.
For Liverpool, their experienced stars stepped up when it mattered most.
Salah once again proved decisive in front of goal, while Van Dijk’s late intervention capped a crucial victory.
It was a win that not only boosts their top-four hopes but also provides a memorable moment in a season that has otherwise been challenging.
