Liverpool took a firm grip on a Champions League qualification berth with a memorable and dramatic victory on their first-ever visit to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Virgil van Dijk struck the winner in the 10th minute of additional time after Mohamed Salah's first-half opener had been equalised after the break by Beto.
The result means Arne Slot's side are now seven points clear of the chasing pack in fifth place and are only three points behind Manchester United and Aston Villa, both of whom they still have to visit.
The ECHO was in attendance at Hill Dickinson Stadium and here we run the rule over the performances of the Liverpool players.
Giorgi Mamardashvili 7
Superb save to keep out Beto header early on and efficient enough with distribution before being caught by Beto for equaliser and having to go off injured. Subbed.
Did very well in unaccustomed position at right-back, using ball well and defending solidly. Ability to keep possession under pressure important given lack of help from Konate at times. Great performance.
Lost Beto for early chance but otherwise solid up against the awkward Everton striker until dreadful defending invited Dewsbury-Hall to set up equaliser and then lost his way for good while after that.
No-nonsense defending for the most part and effective at clearing set-pieces before popping up right at the end for the winning goal.
Stuck to his task up against the tricky McNeil and able to push forward at times before break, although quieter in that regard second half. Subbed.
In a deeper central midfield role, got through plenty of work and started to use the ball well. Great engine in second half and led by example, and put in the corner for the winner.
Unusually playing on the left of midfield duo, lost his bearings occasionally with his passing but willing to get stuck in and began to find holes going forward second half.
Clearly motivated, caused Mykolenko regular problems, chased down defenders and tucked away opener brilliantly. Second half more attritional as Everton forced their way back and ended up down the middle.
Attracted a fair amount of physical attention first half but could have done more with some good possession, and faded a bit later on. Subbed.
A little while to get going but one difficult snapshot held by Pickford and another shot turned over in between great pass releasing Salah for opener. Switched to central striker after hour. Subbed.
Even less involved than in midweek until having shot saved by Pickford shortly before half-time, while lack of sharpness evident with some half-openings after break. Subbed.
Freddie Woodman (for Mamardashvili 58) 7
Unexpected first Premier League appearance, did well to deal with a couple of dangerously bouncing balls.
Rio Ngumoha (for Isak 72) 6
Derby debut for the teenager and had one shot blocked before missing good chance in injury time.
Alexis Mac Allister (for Wirtz 84) 6
Touched the ball a few times.
Jeremie Frimpong (for Gakpo 84) 6
Couple of runs down the right.
Milos Kerkez (for Robertson 86) 6
Ian Doyle has covered Liverpool for more than 25 years, following them across Europe in multiple Champions League and Europa League finals and as far afield as Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong and Qatar, and has reported on the Reds winning every major honour. He previously also covered Everton for 18 years and has followed England, reporting on the European Championships and World Cup final. Once had to tell Jude Law he does not drive a Mini.
