Everton record a 2-0 victory in the Merseyside derby to deal a major blow to Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes.
Everton produced a strong home performance to claim a 2-0 victory in the Merseyside derby to dent Liverpool‘s Premier League title hopes.
The Toffees opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Jarrad Brainthwaite’s strike squirmed under Alisson Becker.
Sean Dyche‘s side survived a period of Liverpool pressure at the end of the first period, before they doubled their advantage courtesy of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 58th-minute header.
Although Luis Diaz rattled the post, the Reds were unable to claw their back into the contest, ensuring Everton could celebrate their first home victory in a Merseyside derby since October 2010.
After suffering his first defeat at Goodison Park, Jurgen Klopp‘s hopes of winning a league title in his final season as Liverpool boss are now hanging by a thread.
The Reds are three points adrift of leaders Arsenal, while they are just one point better off than Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
Branthwaite nets crucial opener
The hosts thought they had been presented with an early opportunity to take the lead when referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot after Alisson had brought down Calvert-Lewin.
However, the home faithful’s joy turned to frustration as replays showed Calvert-Lewin had strayed into an offside position, denying Everton the chance to go to the penalty spot.
Just over 10 minutes later, James Tarkowski met Dwight McNeil’s floated free-kick to nod the ball across goal for Calvert-Lewin to attack, only for Allison to make an instinctive stop to keep the headed effort out.
Everton’s relentless pressure ultimately paid off just before the half-hour mark when Branthwaite netted his third goal of the season after Liverpool failed to clear their lines from a free-kick.
The ball kindly broke to the Everton defender, who managed to squeeze his effort under Alisson and over the line.
After getting off to a slow start, Liverpool carved out their first meaningful chance in the 35th minute when Darwin Nunez found himself one-on-one with Jordan Pickford, only to fire his effort at the England international.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Nunez then knocked the ball into the path of Luiz Duiz, who drew a strong stop from the Everton goalkeeper.
More to follow.
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