Everton deal Liverpool big blow with shock 2-0 derby victory

LIVERPOOL: Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in a pulsating 2-0 home victory over Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday (Apr 24) that could prove to be the death of the visitors' withering Premier League title hopes.

Everton's first derby victory at Goodison Park in more than 13 years prevented Liverpool from climbing level with Arsenal at the top of the league table. Juergen Klopp's men are three points behind the Gunners (77) with four games to play.

Holders Manchester City remain in the driver's seat on 73 points but with two games in hand, while Everton's victory has them breathing easier, eight points above the relegation zone in 16th.

"Very disappointed in so many ways and I think everyone has to look in the mirror look at their own performances, did they give everything and do they really want to win the league?" Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said.

"Obviously there are still games after tonight, but if we play like we did tonight, we have no chance to win the title. It's a tough one and obviously we have to do much better against a side that is playing against relegation."

Everton were sharper from the start and won a penalty when Calvert-Lewin was tripped by Liverpool keeper Alisson, only for it to be overturned by the VAR for an offside.

Yet it wasn't long before Branthwaite had the old stadium shaking in the 27th minute when he capitalised on poor defending from Liverpool, slotting home from close range after the Reds missed several attempts to clear the ball.

Alisson could not quite get his hands on the ball which rolled off the post and in.

Branthwaite is the first Everton player to score against Liverpool since Demarai Gray in a 4-1 league home loss in late- 2021.

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