Everton 2-0 Liverpool: The Toffees win the derby, denting the Reds’ championship ambitions

Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League championship were severely damaged when they lost 2-0 to Everton, their local rivals, in a thrilling Merseyside derby.

After Jarrad Branthwaite had given the Toffees the lead, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header secured the victory, their first in a derby at Goodison Park since 2010.

Luis Diaz had the best chance to spark a Liverpool comeback, but he hit the post, giving Jurgen Klopp’s team only one victory in their previous four top-flight games.

With four games remaining and third-place Manchester City yet to play, the Reds’ defeat drops them three points behind league leaders Arsenal, while Everton has moved eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Everton controlled the first six minutes of the game and felt they had a chance to grab the lead from the penalty spot. Calvert-Lewin was taken down by Alisson in a one-on-one, but the penalty was reversed after a VAR review because the striker was not onside during the build-up.

Alisson parried Calvert-Lewin’s powerful header, giving Liverpool a warning. The Toffees looked especially threatening from free kicks.

As the ball bounced about their area in the 26th minute, Branthwaite’s low drive ultimately past Alisson and spun across the line off the inside of the post, leaving Liverpool to lament their careless defense.

As Liverpool responded, Jordan Pickford made three crucial stops to put Everton ahead at the half, stopping Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, and Diaz.

The second half saw the Reds come out strong, but they were unable to capitalize. Calvert-Lewin punished them from a corner, rising unmarked at the back post and hammering a powerful header into the bottom-left corner for his third goal in four games.

When Diaz eventually broke through Everton’s defense in the 69th minute, Liverpool had their greatest opportunity, but a wonderful curler smacked the right-hand post, marking the 22nd time this season that Liverpool had struck the woodwork in the league.

In addition, Mohamed Salah wasted a late opportunity, shooting wide from close range to round off a poor evening for the Reds as Everton managed to hang on for a potentially crucial victory at both ends of the table.

The defense of Dyche rallies

Everton has won seven straight Premier League games to zero, an amazing accomplishment considering they had lost none of their previous 12 games while trailing at least once (D4 L8).

They had to work hard to secure another crucial three points in the relegation struggle. Pickford, who was in fine form, made some outstanding saves to deny Harvey Elliott and Salah in the closing moments, and impressive blocks from the outstanding Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, and Ben Godfrey kept Liverpool at bay.

This victory also put a stop to Liverpool’s 12-game home winning streak against them in the Premier League, which was their longest against any other opponent in league history.

Chelsea crushed Everton 6-0 nine days ago. They’ve only won two derbies in much almost 13 years, but right now they’re practically secure.

Title aspirations dashed?

Due to a poor start, Liverpool let up the first goal for the 22nd match this season in all competitions.

While on his farewell tour, Jurgen Klopp lost only his second game against the Toffees (W9 D6), missing out on the opportunity to become the first Reds manager to win ten Premier League Merseyside derbies.

Liverpool had only lost twice in their previous 27 meetings with Everton (W12 D13), and given that Man City still had two games remaining, this loss may have put an end to their championship hopes.