Van Dijk’s header wins first derby at new Everton stadium, lifts Liverpool in top-four race

Virgil van Dijk scored a stoppage-time header to give Liverpool a 2-1 victory over Everton in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, boosting their bid to secure Champions League qualification next season.

The Liverpool captain rose above James Tarkowski to meet Dominik Szoboszlai’s inswinging corner in the 10th minute of added time, snatching the win and silencing the home supporters.

Liverpool moved seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea with five games remaining, including a home encounter against Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

In a match report by ESPN, Mohamed Salah, playing in what is expected to be his final Merseyside derby, looked set for a frustrating afternoon until the decisive late moment. The Egypt forward equalled Steven Gerrard’s derby record of nine goals when he swept in the opener in the 29th minute after Cody Gakpo intercepted a misplaced pass from Dwight McNeil and slipped the ball through for Salah to finish at the far post.

Everton, determined not to lose the inaugural derby at their new ground, levelled nine minutes after the break when Beto scored his fourth goal in three matches. The striker slid in ahead of Andy Robertson to convert Vitaliy Mykolenko’s pass, punishing slack Liverpool defending.

Liverpool’s recent slump — four defeats in five matches, including their Champions League exit to Paris St Germain — had increased the pressure, but Van Dijk’s late goal revived their fading momentum in the top-four race.

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