Liverpool FC captain Virgil van Dijk delivered a dramatic late winner, heading home deep into stoppage time to seal a 2-1 victory over Everton FC in a thrilling Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
Despite a shaky performance and an injury setback to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in the second half, Liverpool showed resilience when it mattered most, keeping their push for Champions League qualification alive in an otherwise inconsistent campaign.
The visitors struck first in the 29th minute through Mohamed Salah, who capitalised on Everton’s defensive lapse.
Cody Gakpo seized possession and teed up Salah, who calmly slotted past Jordan Pickford to give Liverpool the lead.
Everton responded strongly after the break, with Beto levelling the score early in the second half.
The forward shrugged off Andy Robertson before converting a low delivery from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from close range.
The equaliser came at a cost for Liverpool, as Mamardashvili was injured in the build-up and replaced by Freddie Woodman.
The substitute goalkeeper endured a nervy spell as Everton pressed for a winner late on.
Liverpool, however, pushed forward in search of all three points. Gakpo came close with a header cleared off the line by James Tarkowski, while substitute Rio Ngumoha squandered a golden opportunity in stoppage time.
Just when Everton seemed set to hold on for a draw, Van Dijk rose highest in the 100th minute to nod home the decisive goal, sparking wild celebrations among the away supporters.
The victory lifts Liverpool to fifth place on 55 points, three behind Aston Villa with five matches remaining, while Everton sit 10th on 47 points.
