Arne Slot’s key determination for Liverpool as Virgil van Dijk saves Merseyside derby
Virgil van Dijk saved Liverpool’s Champions League hoops with a 100th minute header to steal all three points at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
It wasn’t quite a derby day to remember for Everton, who would have been hoping to mark their first clash with bitter rivals Liverpool at their new stadium.
The Hill Dickinson had been bouncing ahead of kick-off, a huge tifo was unveiled infront of the south stand and flags turned the stands into a sea of blue.
Everton fans were dreaming of a famous win, and, on the pitch, it was David Moyes’ side that were hungry for the win. It was the same old problems for Arne Slot as his lethargic side slept-walked through a game in which they were outplayed – but still found a way to win.
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The Toffees thought they had taken the lead through Iliman Ndiaye, but his strike was chalked off after a VAR review deemed him to be offside.
It was, however, a warning shot for a Liverpool team that was yet to turn up the races. But football is a funny old game and anything can happen in the blink of an eye.
Cody Gakpo hasn’t had a great season, but he was at his dazzling best for the opener. The Dutchman cut apart the Toffees defence with an inch perfect pass into the path of an onrushing Mohamed Salah – who rolled back the years with his finish.
It was everything Liverpool have been missing this season – the final ball into the path of a runner. And it would be the only time in the match we would see such a move.
Everton levelled through Beto and looked the better of the two sides. That was until deep into added time when Virgil van Dijk rose higher than anyone else in the box.
Corners were a weak part of the Reds’ game earlier this season – but Slot has clearly been working on them on the training ground, with it now being one of Liverpool’s strength.
Slot’s side have been prolific from corners – and the Van Dijk header might just be one of the most important moments in the race for Champions League football.
More to follow
