Everton edged closer to securing their Premier League status while delivering a significant blow to local rivals Liverpool’s title aspirations, clinching a well-deserved 2-0 triumph at Goodison Park.
Despite an early penalty being overturned by VAR, the Toffees seized the lead in the 27th minute when Jarrad Branthwaite capitalized on defensive chaos in the Liverpool ranks, slotting a shot beneath Alisson and into the net off the post.
Liverpool’s missed opportunities, including chances squandered by Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz, underscored their recent struggles in front of goal, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin capitalized on lax marking to head in a corner from the right in the 58th minute.
Despite Diaz striking the post in a frantic bid to stage a comeback, Liverpool found themselves outplayed and suffered their fourth league defeat of the season.
The outcome leaves Liverpool trailing leaders Arsenal by three points with only four matches remaining, while Manchester City lurk closely behind with a game in hand, leaving Jurgen Klopp’s side reliant on favorable results elsewhere to contend for the title.
Everton’s rare derby triumph, led by manager Sean Dyche in his inaugural Merseyside encounter at home, sees them comfortably positioned in 16th place, eight points clear of relegation danger with just four matches left.
Liverpool faces a crucial test against West Ham on Saturday to salvage their season from a potentially underwhelming conclusion under Klopp, while Everton aims to secure their Premier League status as they host 15th-placed Brentford.
