Jota finds way through blue wall to move Liverpool closer to title

The 246th Merseyside derby was as much of a cathartic release for Liverpool as another step closer to a 20th league title.

- Andy Hunter

The 246th Merseyside derby was as much of a cathartic release for Liverpool as another step closer to a 20th league title. Arne Slot's side cleansed themselves of recent torment against Everton and two deflating cup defeats with a hard-fought but deserved victory courtesy of Diogo Jota's fine individual goal. A maximum of 13 points is all that is required from the remaining eight games of the season to put the Premier League trophy on display at Anfield once again.

There was a determination to seize control of the derby from the start by Liverpool and, unlike the previous two encounters at Goodison Park, a composure in possession that enabled them to do so. The painful Champions League exit and deserved Carabao Cup final defeat that preceded the international break, plus of course memories of their last run-in with Everton 49 days ago, may also have fuelled the hunger and intensity of a team closing in on the Premier League title.

That said, Liverpool rarely extended Jordan Pickford in the first half and it was Everton, with Beto giving both Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk an uncomfortable evening, who created the clearer opportunities on the break.