In a tightly contested Merseyside derby at Anfield, Liverpool emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Everton, thanks to Diogo Jota’s decisive goal. The previous meeting between these two ended in a 2-2 draw after a thunderous strike from James Tarkowski in the dying embers of the match pulled Everton level.
Coming into the last Merseyside derby of the 2024/25 campaign, one would expect a mix of emotions and of course, physical and dogged football.
Liverpool had failed to impress in their last two games and Mo Salah especially had failed to deliver as expected. In the space of one week, they lost to PSG in the Champions League quarter finals and Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
In both games, Salah was nowhere to be found, something fans hoped would change against Everton.
Early in the game, a contentious moment arose when Everton’s James Tarkowski committed a high challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister. Despite appeals for a red card, Tarkowski received only a yellow, a decision that sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Everton had a moment to take the lead when Beto went past Van Dijk to set himself up against Kelleher but failed to shake the back of the net
Salah got Liverpool’s best chance of the game but his header was straight at Pickford. With the game running fast and Salah failing to show any promise, the match looked like it would end in a draw.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 63rd minute. Jota capitalized on a defensive lapse before slotting the ball past Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford.
This goal not only secured the win but also highlighted Jota’s growing influence in Liverpool’s attacking lineup.
Salah has now gone three games without a goal or assist which is unusual for the Egyptian forward. This trend raises concerns among supporters.
In contrast, Jota’s form provides a silver lining, offering an alternative source of goals as Liverpool continues their pursuit of the Premier League title.
