Toby Wilding

Wed 2 April 2025 22:12, UK Updated Thu 3 April 2025 6:09, UK

Liverpool took another step towards the Premier League title with a tight 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield.

This was the first game Arne Slot‘s side had played since their hopes of Champions League and League Cup success were ended by PSG and Newcastle respectively.

Although the first half failed to produce an opening goal, it was far from short on drama, which began when James Tarkowski was lucky not to be sent off for a dangerous challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.

The visitors also had a Beto goal disallowed for offside, with the Everton striker also firing against the post when clean through on goal.

Liverpool would be the ones to find the breakthrough shortly before the hour-mark, when Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota combined for the latter to find space in the box to fire home after some brilliant footwork.

Despite some late Everton pressure that was enough to secure victory for the Reds by a single goal, meaning they are now 12 points clear at the top of the table, with just eight games to go.

Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the Liverpool squad in that clash with Everton.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 6

With Alisson absent after suffering a concussion on international duty Kelleher, who looks set to miss out on a move to Bournemouth, was given a rare Premier League start here, although he rarely had a save to make or a cross to claim.

Curtis Jones – 6

With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley injured, Jones was forced to step in at right-back, where he seemed to be targeted early on, but stood his ground reasonably for the most part.

Ibrahima Konate – 4

Wobbly, very wobbly. Struggled against Beto on a number of occasions, including letting him get in behind when he hit the post, and was also guilty of some loose touches that put his side under pressure.

Beto gives Virgil van Dijk a challenging night

Virgil van Dijk – 5

Liverpool have concerns over contract negotiations with Van Dijk, but he too struggled to deal with the physicality of Beto at times.

Andy Robertson – 6

Not a night where he found himself under much pressure at left-back, and was able to send some decent balls into the box when going forward in attack.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7

Another solid performance in midfield where he looked to get forward, producing an eye-catching save from Pickford with a long-range effort early in the second half.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6

On the end of a poor challenge by Tarkowski early on but otherwise not a night where he appeared too heavily involved going forward, though he remained steady in midfield.

Mac Allister in painful Tarkowski incident

Mohamed Salah – (off for Endo, ’90+3) – 6

Liverpool inevitably remain desperate to secure a new contract for Salah, but after his frustrations prior to the international break, this was another night where their talisman was unable to produce – or even look like producing – a telling moment in front of goal.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6

Gradually became more involved with some bright runs and the odd crosses, but couldn’t find the end product that is demanded of him by so many.

Luis Diaz (off for Gakpo, ’85) – 9 – Player of the Match

It has been suggested that Liverpool may soon face a decision over the future of Diaz, and here he made a case for them to keep him. The liveliest in attack in the first half especially, and produced an excellent touch to play Jota in to make it 1-0.

Diogo Jota (off for Nunez, ’75) – 8

Became more of a threat as the game went on, and did brilliantly to find space before finishing clinically to put his side in front and score what he will feel was a long overdue goal.

Substitutes

Darwin Nunez (on for Jota, ’75) – 5

Brought on for Jota but didn’t look a threat other than one break when the whistle had already long gone that ended with him being booked.

Cody Gakpo (on for Diaz, ’85) – 5

On to give a rest to the tireless Diaz.

Wataru Endo (on for Salah) – 5

Off the bench to do his traditional finishing role.