Liverpool cut Manchester City’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to just a point following a hard-fought 2-0 win over Everton in a closely contested Merseyside derby on Sunday evening.
Jurgen Klopp’s outfit went into the match knowing only a win against their sworn rivals would keep their Premier League dream alive, and they got the job done in a feisty derby.
Liverpool lacked their usual swagger from the first whistle, with the Toffees taking the game to them in the opening 20 minutes.
Tempers flared midway through the half as players went in with kicks and heavy tackles, resulting in three yellow cards.
Despite their possession, the hosts failed to register a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes for the second time this season, having failed to do so against Man City late last year.
The second half was more lively from both sides, with Klopp making an early change, bringing in Divock Origi for Naby Keita.
The substitution seemed to work almost immediately as Origi, who had scored five goals in his past nine fixtures against Everton was involved in the opener in the 62nd minute.
The Belgian played a one-two with Mohamed Salah before the Egyptian lofted a sumptuous ball that was nodded home by Andy Robertson.
Robertson’s goal seemed to have awakened the Reds, as Salah came to within inches of adding a second moments later but his header went narrowly wide.
Demarai Gray tried his luck and hit a thunderbolt of a shot towards goal from long range, but his powerful strike went narrowly wide of the left post.
Origi then ensured he continued with his goal-scoring record against the Toffees as he added Liverpool’s second with five minutes to go, heading home a Luis Dias miscued ball to give the hosts maximum points.
The win means just a point separates City and Liverpool with five matches to go.
