Liverpool overcome Everton in tense derby

Liverpool beat a battling Everton side 2-0 in a hard-fought win at Anfield to maintain the pressure on Manchester City – and push their neighbours towards the drop.

Andy Robertson's second-half header brought the breakthrough in a bad-tempered game and substitute Divock Origi nodded in the second from close range to seal victory in the Merseyside derby.

It was far from straightforward for the title chasers, with Everton's resistance lasting over an hour and Sadio Mane fortunate to stay on the pitch following a first-half altercation.

The three points move Jurgen Klopp's side back within a point of Premier League leaders Manchester City, while Everton are now two points from safety after Burnley's win earlier in the afternoon.

Everton stifled their neighbours from the outset, Jordan Pickford taking his time over every kick, and the delaying tactics appeared to rile the home players as well as the fans.

Richarlison was down with minor injuries three times, Anthony Gordon was booked for taking a tumble and Abdoulaye Doucoure for a late tackle as Anfield roared disapproval.

It was that final incident just before half-time which saw Mane push Allan in the face and appear to gouge Mason Holgate. He might well have been sent off.

It was proof that Everton were getting to Liverpool.

Liverpool upped the tempo in the second half but it left gaps - Gordon appealing for a penalty when tangling with Joel Matip and then dragging a shot wide from another break.

The breakthrough came just after the hour mark when Klopp turned to his bench, bringing on Origi and Luis Diaz, and the two substitutes changed the tempo of the match.

Origi's lay-off to Mohamed Salah allowed the Egyptian to stand a cross up to the far post and there was