Van Dijk nets 100th-minute winner as Liverpool beat Everton 2-1
Virgil van Dijk scored a stunning 100th-minute winner as Liverpool FC edged Everton FC 2-1 in a historic Premier League Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The dramatic victory gives Liverpool a crucial seven-point cushion inside the top five, strengthening their push for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Despite the unfamiliar setting, Everton recreated the intensity of Goodison Park early on. Beto came close with a header, brilliantly saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was called into action again to deny James Garner.
The hosts continued to press, with Beto missing a golden one-on-one opportunity, an early moment that would later prove costly.
VAR drama and Salah strikes
The match turned dramatically midway through the first half. Iliman Ndiaye thought he had opened the scoring, only for VAR to rule the goal out due to an offside in the build-up involving Jake O'Brien.
Moments later, Liverpool punished Everton’s frustration. Mohamed Salah latched onto a brilliant assist from Cody Gakpo to fire home, becoming Liverpool’s joint-highest Premier League scorer in Merseyside derbies alongside Steven Gerrard with nine goals.
Everton respond as game opens up
Everton found their breakthrough early in the second half. Beto made amends for his earlier misses, sliding home a low cross from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to level the score.
The goal came at a cost for Liverpool, with Mamardashvili forced off injured and replaced by Freddie Woodman, making his Premier League debut for the Reds.
The game became increasingly stretched:
- Gakpo saw a header cleared off the line by James Tarkowski
- Ndiaye tested Woodman with a powerful strike
- Chances flowed at both ends
A late injury to Jarrad Branthwaite resulted in 11 minutes of stoppage time—setting the stage for late drama.
Van Dijk delivers in the 100th minute
With time almost up, Liverpool found their moment. Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a precise corner, and Van Dijk rose highest to power home a decisive header.
The goal secured a dramatic derby victory and marked Liverpool’s third consecutive win over Everton, their best run in the fixture since 2017.
What it means
- Liverpool strengthen their top-five position with a seven-point cushion
- Pressure eases on manager Arne Slot
- Everton remain just one point off sixth place but suffer a painful late defeat
For Everton, this will feel like a missed opportunity. For Liverpool, it could prove a defining moment in their season.
SportsLigue
