Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Liverpool defeated Everton in a thrilling Merseyside derby.
The Dutch defender found the net in the 100th minute, heading home from a corner delivered by Dominik Szoboszlai to seal victory in the first Premier League derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Liverpool had earlier taken the lead through Mohamed Salah, who capitalised on a quick attacking move to score his ninth Merseyside derby goal, a record in the Premier League era.
Everton responded strongly and levelled the match through Beto, who converted from close range following a well-worked move involving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The home side had earlier thought they had taken the lead when Iliman Ndiaye found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Everton started brightly, creating several early chances, but Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili produced key saves to keep the visitors in the game before being forced off through injury.
With Alisson Becker unavailable, substitute Freddie Woodman came on and made his first Premier League appearance in years.
As the game moved into extended stoppage time, both sides pushed for a winner before Van Dijk’s late header secured all three points for Liverpool.
The victory strengthens Liverpool’s position in the table, leaving them seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea as they push for Champions League qualification.
