In a fiery Merseyside derby under the Goodison Park lights, Liverpool took a massive step toward Premier League glory with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton on Wednesday night. It wasn’t the prettiest performance, but it was exactly the kind of gritty, determined display that champions are built on.
After a couple of stumbles—a heartbreaking League Cup final loss to Newcastle and Champions League elimination at the hands of PSG—Arne Slot’s side needed a response. And they got one. Thanks to Diogo Jota, who hadn’t scored in over two months, but stepped up when it mattered most.
The breakthrough came in the 57th minute. Luis Díaz, always lively, produced a clever flick, and Jota, lurking in the box, coolly slotted it past Jordan Pickford. Relief and elation swept through the red side of Merseyside, as Jota’s celebration showed just how much that goal meant—to him, and to the team.
“It feels great to be back on the scoresheet, especially in a game like this,” Jota said afterward. “These are the games you grow up dreaming about.”
It was a feisty affair, as derbies usually are. Everton’s James Tarkowski was lucky to still be on the pitch after a dangerous early tackle on Alexis Mac Allister that only earned him a yellow. The tackle drew plenty of fury from the Liverpool bench, but the game raged on.
Liverpool kept their cool. Van Dijk marshalled the backline with his usual calm authority, and though Everton pressed late on, they couldn’t find a way through. It was a far cry from their last meeting in February—a 2-2 draw filled with late drama and controversy. This time, Liverpool saw it out with maturity and control.
Everton boss David Moyes wasn’t thrilled after the game, insisting Jota’s goal may have been offside. But Slot wasn’t having any of it.
“It was a goal. The rules are clear. We deserved it,” Slot said firmly. “The boys gave everything. You could see the hunger, the fight—we’re chasing the best season possible.”
With just eight games left and a 12-point cushion over Arsenal, Liverpool are inching closer to their first title since 2020 and a record-equalling 20th English league crown. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season, but with players like Jota stepping up in big moments, the finish line is starting to come into view.
Next stop? Keep the momentum going. The dream is alive—and very real.
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