Liverpool will look to re-establish their advantage at the top of the Premier League as they return to action with a Merseyside derby against Everton.
Arne Slot’s side have had plenty of time to stew on their Carabao Cup final loss as a trophy slipped out of their grasp at Wembley, with this their first outing since that mid-March defeat after an early exit from the FA Cup. It leaves their full focus on league success and though their significant lead over Arsenal was narrowed to nine points last night, Liverpool remain in a position of such strength with nine games to go in the campaign.
This could represent a stumbling block, though, with Everton sure to be ready for their rivals as they travel across the city. James Tarkowski snatched a dramatic late equaliser in the reverse fixture – the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park – and the club have enjoyed solid form since, though David Moyes will be keen to end a recent run of draws that have inhibited their climb up the table.
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Liverpool 1-0 Everton
90+2 mins: Delivery into the Liverpool box, Van Dijk hooks away to clear, and the Reds can break.
Mac Allister fires it forward but it’s cut out by Branthwaite, who plays a very brave pass to get it out of danger.
Liverpool are bringing on their finisher – Wataru Endo on from Mo Salah.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
87 mins: What has happened here?
Pickford makes a has of a challenge as Nunez nicks the ball away from him in the box, hacking the Uruguyan down.
It looked a penalty but the game had already gone dead for an earlier foul on Szoboszlai.
Somehow, Nunez is the one punished with a yellow card.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
85 mins: Diaz once again at the heart of a Liverpool move as he runs into the area before passing it across to Jones in space, who can’t get a shot away.
That’s the Columbian’s last action of the game as he’s replaced by Gakpo.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
82 mins: CHANCE! Diaz drives into the box and dances past his man before drilling a low effort goalwards, blocked by a downed Everton body.
Diaz and the Kop cry handball, but after a VAR check, it’s waved away.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
80 mins: Liverpool controlling possession at the moment as they look to try and see out this games.
Szoboszlai thrashes one across the box, an Everton leg gets there first.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
75 mins: Goalscorer Diogo Jota makes way for Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s first sub of the game.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
72 mins: Everton whip in a corner on top of Kelleher, the Irishman does well to claw it away.
Another delivery is whipped in, it’s headed by Tarkowski against Mac Allister to half-hearted penalty appeals for handball. No dice.