Liverpool have reopened a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League after Diogo Jota’s goal earned the Reds a 1-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates on Tuesday night meant that nine points separated the top two teams, with Liverpool needing to respond as they chase a second top-flight title in five years.
The hosts were without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker due to concussion protocols, while Curtis Jones was preferred to Jarell Quansah at right-back. Arne Slot’s men dominated possession in the opening exchanges but there was little in the way of clear-cut chances.
It was the visitors who had the best chance in the opening period, with striker Beto going through on goal but his effort came off the post. Defender James Tarkowski was incredibly fortunate to avoid a red card for a wild challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, with the referee giving only a yellow.
The atmosphere became increasingly edgy after the break but it soon turned to relief, as Diogo Jota broke the deadlock just before the hour mark. The Portuguese international weaved his way into the box past two challenges and drilled a low finish past Jordan Pickford, for what proved to be the winner.
Liverpool now need only a maximum of 13 points from their final eight matches to get the job done.