Arne Slot was hoping to lead Liverpool to a treble, but at least he has avoided a collapse.
Just when it seemed the team might spark panic among their fans with another poor result, Diogo Jota ended his 10-game goal drought at the perfect moment.
Despite being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and losing to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, Slot’s men continue their seemingly inevitable march to the Premier League title.
For David Moyes, who had guided Everton through a superb nine-game unbeaten run, it was another disappointing night at Anfield, where he has now failed to win in 22 attempts.
Controversy surrounded Liverpool’s winner as Luis Diaz appeared offside before James Tarkowski’s intervention, allowing Jota to net his ninth goal of the season.
Yet Tarkowski was also fortunate to remain on the pitch after a crunching early tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.
At full-time, relief spread through Anfield as Liverpool restored their 12-point lead, inching closer to their first title in five years.
As the game ended, smiles, hugs, and fist-bumps were shared while supporters sang about winning the league.
Liverpool didn’t impress despite dominating possession. Their last two performances have resembled the struggles of the 2022-23 season when they finished fifth.
Like their loss to Newcastle at Wembley, they were sluggish in midfield, created little in attack, and saw Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk struggle as a defensive pairing.
Liverpool also continue to miss the presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back, an adjustment they will need to make permanently next season.
Even Mo Salah, despite his contract uncertainty, has suffered a noticeable dip in form, though he remains a strong contender for end-of-season awards.
But for Liverpool fans, there’s little reason to complain. Slot ended this derby far calmer than the previous one when he was shown a red card and criticized Michael Oliver for decisions that could have affected their title hopes.
Given the chaos at Goodison Park in the last derby, it was surprising that the Premier League assigned an inexperienced referee in Sam Barrott, officiating his first top-flight game at Anfield.
His biggest call was choosing not to send off Tarkowski in the 10th minute after a studs-up challenge on Mac Allister, despite winning the ball.
VAR, led by Paul Tierney, reviewed the incident but didn’t upgrade the yellow card, letting Tarkowski—who had scored a late equalizer at Goodison—escape punishment.
Liverpool benefitted from the next VAR check, as Beto’s goal was ruled out for offside after he powered a shot through the legs of Caoimhin Kelleher.
That was a relief for Kelleher, who replaced Alisson due to concussion protocols following a head injury on international duty with Brazil.
Kelleher was later saved by the post as Beto struck the woodwork following another defensive lapse from Van Dijk.
Carlos Alcaraz could have put Everton ahead just before halftime, but his header was weak as Liverpool’s defense again switched off.
Liverpool dominated possession after the break but struggled to break through Everton’s compact defensive setup, with Jarrad Branthwaite even throwing himself in front of Salah’s boot to clear the danger.
Despite their struggles, Slot’s team was determined not to falter.
James Garner was dispossessed in a dangerous area by Jota, who then received the ball back via a clever flick from Diaz.
Jota skipped past Idrissa Gueye before slotting his shot past Pickford from the penalty spot.
After a VAR check on Diaz’s involvement, the goal stood, and Anfield breathed easier.
Liverpool are now 26 games unbeaten in the Premier League. While a treble would have been ideal, there’s only one trophy their supporters truly desire.
Captain Van Dijk may look fatigued, but he should still have enough energy to lift the Premier League trophy in a few weeks.
