Virgil van Dijk delivered a dramatic 100th-minute winner to hand Liverpool FC a thrilling victory over Everton FC in the first Premier League Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
In a game filled with tension, controversy, and late drama, the Dutch defender rose highest to meet Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner deep into stoppage time, snatching all three points in the 248th meeting between the two fierce rivals.
Salah strikes before Everton respond
The match had already swung wildly before the late winner.
Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the lead against the run of play in the first half, finishing clinically after combining with Cody Gakpo.
Just moments earlier, Everton thought they had taken the lead through Iliman Ndiaye, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review involving Jake O’Brien in the build-up.
Everton fight back through Beto
Despite the setback, Everton responded strongly.
Beto equalised after getting on the end of a cross from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, capitalising on defensive lapses from Liverpool.
The home side had started brightly, with Giorgi Mamardashvili making key saves earlier to deny Beto and James Garner, highlighting Everton’s attacking intent.
Chaos, injuries and late drama
The game took another twist when Mamardashvili was forced off through injury, paving the way for Freddie Woodman to make his first Premier League appearance since 2021.
Both sides pushed for a winner, with Everton nearly stealing it when Ndiaye tested Woodman late on, while Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha fired over in added time.
But just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Liverpool struck decisively.
Van Dijk’s towering header ensured Liverpool secured yet another stoppage-time winner over their city rivals remarkably their sixth 90th-minute winner against Everton in Premier League history.
The victory lifts Arne Slot’s side further clear in the race for a top-five finish, with Liverpool now seven points ahead of Chelsea
For David Moyes and his Everton side, the defeat will sting deeply.
They showed energy and resilience, creating several chances and pushing Liverpool throughout, but were ultimately undone by fine margins and another late blow in this historic rivalry.
Despite the disappointment, Everton remain in contention for a potential European place, though this loss could prove a painful moment in their campaign.
For Liverpool, the result could prove decisive in their push for UEFA Champions League qualification.
With momentum building and experienced players stepping up in crucial moments, this dramatic derby victory may well be remembered as a defining point in their season.
