Liverpool edges closer to Champions League qualification with a 100th-minute victory over Everton

(Football result) - Virgil van Dijk scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute, helping Liverpool secure a 2-1 win against Everton in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, thereby creating a 7-point gap within the Premier League's top five.

Despite playing at a new venue, Everton fans brought the familiar passionate atmosphere reminiscent of Goodison Park. The home team started energetically and nearly opened the scoring when Beto delivered a dangerous header, but goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili saved it. The Georgian keeper continued to deny James Garner's free-kick, before Beto missed a one-on-one opportunity by shooting wide.

Liverpool only had their first shot in the 21st minute with Cody Gakpo's attempt, which was blocked by James Tarkowski. Despite being overshadowed, the visitors unexpectedly turned the game around within just three minutes. Iliman Ndiaye had put the ball into Liverpool's net in the 27th minute, but VAR determined Jake O'Brien was offside beforehand. Immediately after, Mohamed Salah utilized Gakpo's clever pass to finish with one touch, opening the scoring and equaling the record of scoring 9 goals in Premier League Merseyside derbies, matching Steven Gerrard.

Gakpo nearly doubled the lead before halftime with a curling shot that forced Jordan Pickford to push the ball over the crossbar.

In the second half, Liverpool started better, but Everton quickly responded. In the 54th minute, Beto finished close-range following Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's cross, equalizing the score 1-1. This incident also caused Mamardashvili to suffer an injury and leave the field, giving way to Freddie Woodman, who made his Premier League debut wearing Liverpool's colors.

The match became open with numerous chances for both sides. Gakpo's header was cleared right on the goal line, while Ndiaye forced Woodman to showcase his skills with a narrow-angle shot. When the game seemed destined to end in a draw, a turning point arrived in the 11th minute of added time. From Dominik Szoboszlai's corner, Van Dijk rose high to head in the decisive goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Liverpool.

This win helps manager Arne Slot reduce some pressure, while also marking the first time since 2017 that Liverpool has won three consecutive Merseyside derbies. Meanwhile, Everton remains just one point behind Chelsea's 6th-place position, but the last-minute defeat will surely leave them regretful.