Liverpool Restores 12-Point Premier League Lead

Liverpool continued its march towards the Premier League title with a 1-0 victory against Everton in the Merseyside derby as Diogo Jota slotted home the winner in the second half on Wednesday at Anfield.

The hosts thought Everton should have been reduced to 10 men after 11 minutes following a fierce tackle by defender James Tarkowski on Alexis Mac Allister, but Everton’s captain was only shown a yellow card.

Everton’s Beto had an early goal chalked off for offside and missed a chance as he struck the post, before Jota broke the deadlock in the 57th minute with his first goal in two-and-a-half months.

Anfield erupted when Luis Diaz back-heeled the ball into Jota’s path and the Portuguese forward beat a tackle before firing into the net.

The teams had met in an explosive derby in February that ended 2-2, with Tarkowski equalising deep in stoppage time in a chaotic game that featured four red cards, including one to Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Both sides looked for goals in the thrilling encounter, but the scores remained 1-0 as Liverpool claimed all three points in the Merseyside Derby.

“We were playing against Everton, they make it very difficult for you,” Van Dijk said. “The games we have played against each other over the years have always been tough.”

“They have a certain way of playing and you have to be ready for it. The first half wasn’t our greatest but we kept a clean sheet and obviously Jota made a fantastic goal. Three points and we move on.”

Liverpool with 73 points after 30 games, restored its 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal while Everton, whose nine-game league unbeaten ended, are 15th on 34 points.

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Everton coach David Moyes remained without a victory at Anfield in 22 games leading Manchester United, Sunderland and West Ham United as well as his current team.

“Liverpool were the better team, there’s no doubt about that,” Moyes said.

“But I don’t like the goal, I think the goal was offside. I’m really surprised it wasn’t given. Or maybe I’m not surprised. I don’t think many managers come here and think that they get loads of decisions at Anfield generally.”

Wednesday’s Premier League results

Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town

Brighton 0-3 Aston Villa

Southampton 1-1 Crystal Palace

Newcastle 2-1 Brentford

Manchester City 2-0 Leicester City

Liverpool 1-0 Everton.