Liverpool secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Everton's new stadium, according to multiple reports. Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead after half an hour, but Everton equalised early in the second half through Beto. The match appeared to be heading for a draw until Virgil van Dijk scored a 100th-minute winning goal from a corner, sparking wild celebrations.
The win was made more remarkable by Liverpool's goalkeeper crisis. Giorgi Mamardashvili was injured in the 58th minute and replaced by Freddie Woodman, who made his Premier League debut for Liverpool, according to reports. Woodman had only played four times in the Premier League before, for Newcastle four years ago, sources said. Woodman described the opportunity as "unreal" and said he would prepare as if he were playing in Liverpool's next match, according to The Guardian - Football. Mamardashvili is expected to be sidelined with a knee injury, while Alisson is unlikely to return from a hamstring problem until Liverpool visit Manchester United on 3 May, sources said.
The victory has significant implications for the Premier League table. Liverpool's win puts them seven points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea with five matches remaining, strengthening their bid for Champions League qualification, according to reports. Mohamed Salah also equalled Steven Gerrard's Premier League derby record of nine goals in Merseyside derbies, sources said.
Of course, that's very important because we are as ever focused on qualifying for the Champions League. But the lead-up to this game wasn't as much about the league table, it was also about representing Liverpool. Four days ago we paid our respects to the enormous tragedy that happened at Hillsborough. We also used this for the game today because it's a privilege to represent this club. Today the players showed what it means to represent this club. The fans were, as they have been throughout the whole season, a big, big, big support f
Liverpool's form had been poor heading into the derby, having lost four of their previous five matches — their worst run in 15 years, according to reports. The early-season ability to grab late winners had deserted them for a long time, making Van Dijk's stoppage-time goal all the more significant, sources said.
Off the pitch, Steven Gerrard was caught on camera celebrating wildly after Van Dijk's winner, and the CCTV clip garnered over 730,000 views, according to reports. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said after the match: "Of course, that's very important because we are as ever focused on qualifying for the Champions League. But the lead-up to this game wasn't as much about the league table, it was also about representing Liverpool. Four days ago we paid our respects to the enormous tragedy that happened at Hillsborough. We also used this for the game today because it's a privilege to represent this club. Today the players showed what it means to represent this club. The fans were, as they have been throughout the whole season, a big, big, big support." Meanwhile, Andy Woodman, Freddie's father, celebrated his second promotion in three seasons as manager of Bromley on Saturday, sources said.
Liverpool's next match is against Crystal Palace at Anfield. It remains unclear whether Mamardashvili's knee injury will keep him out long-term, whether Alisson will be fit for the Manchester United match on 3 May, and how many minutes of added time were actually played in the derby. The exact attendance at the new Everton stadium has not been confirmed.