Liverpool leap closer to title with narrow Everton win

Liverpool leap closer to title with narrow Everton win

Liverpool claimed bragging rights on Merseyside with victory over rivals Everton and edged closer to lifting the Premier League title.

Arne Slot’s men require only 13 points from a possible 24 available to guarantee a deserved and record-equalling 20th top-flight triumph.

The Reds were being frustrated by Everton’s backline sitting deep, but claimed the three points courtesy of a moment of magic from Diogo Jota.

The Portuguese forward was on the periphery of the game but collected Luis Diaz’s cute backheel before showcasing dancing feet by jinking past challenges and slotting home.

Before the deadlock was broken, a moment of controversy was the main talking point with Everton defender James Tarkowski incredibly fortunate to stay on the pitch.

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Tarkowski received only a yellow card early on when he won the ball with a sliding challenge but caught Alexis Mac Allister on the knee with his studs with the follow-through.

The video assistant referee (VAR) decided not to upgrade the tackle to a red card and Dominik Szoboszlai curled the resulting free-kick narrowly wide, while the in-form Mohamed Salah headed straight at Jordan Pickford at the back post.

Beto had the Liverpool backline rattled and saw a goal ruled out for offside after outmuscling Virgil van Dijk.

The striker got the better of the Reds captain again, but this time could only hit the post when one-on-one with Caoimhin Kelleher.

Liverpool and their supporters looked to up the ante in the second period and Ryan Gravenberch’s stinging drive from range was pushed away by Pickford, but Jota’s 56th-minute strike made the difference.