New Liverpool manager Arne Slot aimed for a successful season, and after recent setbacks, the team avoided another stumble in this match.
Just as it seemed Liverpool might unsettle their fans with another disappointing performance, Diogo Jota chose the perfect moment to break his goalscoring drought, netting after ten games.
Despite Liverpool`s recent Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain and Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle, Slot’s team continues their push for the Premier League title.
For Everton manager David Moyes, who had led his team on an impressive nine-game unbeaten run, it was another frustrating night at Anfield. He remains winless in 22 matches at the stadium, his least favorite venue.
Liverpool`s winning goal had a hint of controversy. Luis Diaz appeared to be in an offside position before Jota scored his ninth goal of the season. However, James Tarkowski played the ball, intervening before it reached Diaz.
Earlier, Tarkowski was fortunate to stay on the pitch after a strong challenge on Alexis Mac Allister that arguably deserved a red card.
Ultimately, relief was palpable at the final whistle as Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the league to 12 points, moving closer to their first title in five years.
Post-match, Liverpool players celebrated with smiles and hugs, while fans chanted about winning the league.
Liverpool`s performance wasn`t their best, despite dominating possession. Their recent displays have been reminiscent of the 2022-23 season, where they finished fifth.
Similar to their defeat against Newcastle at Wembley, they lacked dynamism in midfield, struggled to create clear chances, and the central defensive partnership of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk appeared disjointed.
Liverpool is also missing the influence of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, a situation they`ll need to adapt to next season.
Even Mohamed Salah, despite his expected end-of-season awards, has experienced a noticeable dip in form.
For Liverpool supporters, there`s little cause for complaint. Slot seemed much calmer after this Merseyside derby victory compared to the previous one, where he received a red card.
Given the intensity of Merseyside derbies, the Premier League`s decision to appoint Sam Barrott, a relatively inexperienced referee who had never officiated a top-flight game at Anfield, was surprising.
Barrott made a significant decision early in the game, opting not to send off Tarkowski in the 10th minute for a robust challenge on Mac Allister, even though it could have been considered dangerous.
VAR official Paul Tierney at Stockley Park agreed with the on-field decision not to issue a red card to Tarkowski, who had scored a late equalizer in the previous 2-2 derby draw at Goodison Park.
Another VAR review went Liverpool`s way when Beto`s goal was ruled out for offside.
Beto, after outmuscling Van Dijk, managed to shoot past Liverpool`s stand-in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
This decision was a relief for Kelleher, who was filling in for first-choice goalkeeper Alisson, sidelined due to concussion protocols following an injury sustained while playing for Brazil.
Kelleher was fortunate again when Beto`s powerful shot struck the post after more hesitant defending from Van Dijk.
Carlos Alcaraz could have equalized just before halftime, capitalizing on Liverpool`s momentarily lapse in defense, but his header lacked precision.
While Liverpool maintained possession in the second half, they faced a resolute Everton defense, with players like Jarrad Branthwaite making crucial blocks to deny Liverpool.
Despite not playing at their peak, Liverpool showed determination to secure the victory.
A mistake by James Garner in a dangerous area allowed Jota to regain possession and, following a clever flick from Diaz, Jota slotted the ball past Pickford from the penalty spot.
After a VAR check focusing on Diaz`s position, the goal was confirmed, bringing relief to Anfield.
