Liverpool edge Everton in feisty Merseyside derby to restore 12-point lead
Liverpool restored their 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League after Diogo Jota’s strike secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in a fiery Merseyside derby on Wednesday.
Arne Slot’s men now require only 13 points from a possible 24 to guarantee a deserved and record-equalling 20th top-flight triumph.
Everton captain James Tarkowski escaped with just a yellow card for an early reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister, setting the tone for a bruising contest. The visitors came close in the first half when Beto struck the post, but their nine-game unbeaten league run ended when Jota found the net just before the hour mark.
Victory means Liverpool need just 13 points from their remaining eight games to clinch the English top-flight title for the 20th time.
The last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in February was an explosive affair, with four red cards shown after the final whistle in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Tarkowski had salvaged a point for Everton with a 98th-minute equalizer, sparking wild celebrations.
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s reaction in front of Liverpool fans led to his dismissal, along with Curtis Jones, while Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also sent off for their protests against referee Michael Oliver.
The animosity between the teams remained evident on Wednesday, with Tarkowski once again at the center of controversy. His high challenge on Mac Allister in the 11th minute warranted a red card, but referee Samuel Barrott only issued a yellow, and VAR did not intervene.
