Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored a 100th-minute winner to give his side a 2-1 victory over Everton in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026.
Everton controlled the early stages in front of a passionate home crowd. Forward Beto forced a reflex save from Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in the fifth minute.
Referee Chris Kavanagh later waved away a penalty appeal from Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye saw a goal ruled out for offside moments before Liverpool responded.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Cody Gakpo supplied the assist, and Salah finished calmly to make the score 1-0. Liverpool ended the first half on top, yet Everton remained dangerous on the counter.
Everton striker Beto equalized in the 54th minute. Dewsbury-Hall crossed from the left, and Beto slid in to convert from close range. The goal came after Mamardashvili picked up an injury and left the field. Third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman made his Premier League debut in his place. Liverpool struggled to regain control after the restart.
Liverpool pushed forward in the closing stages. In the 10th minute of stoppage time, Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a corner. Van Dijk rose above the Everton defence and powered a header into the net. The goal gave Liverpool all three points and boosted their push for a Champions League place.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot watched his team secure a vital away win despite the late drama and defensive lapses. Everton players left the pitch disappointed after a strong performance went unrewarded. The result left Liverpool with renewed momentum while Everton continued their fight at the bottom of the table.
