Key Takeaways
- Virgil van Dijk headed the winner in the 100th minute to seal a 1-0 Merseyside derby for Liverpool.
- Arne Slot praised his squad’s attitude after five matches in 15 days with almost the same starting XI.
- David Moyes felt Everton were denied a clear first-half penalty when Curtis Jones nudged Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed his side’s resilience after they snatched a dramatic derby victory at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest in the 100th minute to head the only goal, stretching the Reds’ lead over sixth-placed Chelsea to seven points in the race for next season’s Champions League.
Slot said the tense win was proof of the squad’s character following a bruising schedule. “We have played five games in 15 days, mainly with the same players,” he noted. “To score so late after a long trip in Europe shows the mentality of this group.”
Everton felt hard done by. Boss David Moyes argued they should have had a spot-kick when Curtis Jones appeared to clip Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall inside the box. “Why would he go down if there’s no contact?” Moyes asked. “It’s a big moment for us.”
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was carried off with a deep knee wound after colliding with Beto, forcing deputy Freddie Woodman to see out the closing stages untested.
Slot, whose team exited both the FA Cup and Champions League to wealthy opponents this month, added: “We haven’t enjoyed many highs lately, so to win here, in their first home game at the new ground, is a huge boost for everyone connected to Liverpool.”