The atmosphere leading up to the match felt monumental for Everton as they prepared for the first Merseyside derby at their new home. Fireworks lit up the sky, and hope filled the air as the Toffees sought to edge closer to their rivals, Liverpool, by just two points.
Accompanying the excitement was a tifo declaring Everton as “The Originals,” a jab at their rivals considering their longer history.
Their aspirations hinged on securing a win that could significantly enhance their chances of European qualification in their inaugural season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
However, the tide turned when Virgil van Dijk scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute, leaving the stadium awash with empty blue seats, save for one corner where visiting fans celebrated exuberantly.
This marked a perfect conclusion to the visiting supporters’ first venture to their neighbors’ new ground.
Not only did it deflate the buoyant expectations surrounding Everton, but it also bolstered Liverpool’s own aspirations of remaining in the Champions League despite a challenging season as they prepared to relinquish their Premier League title.
Van Dijk celebrated his goal by running off and playfully holding a finger to his ear, taunting the home fans who had quieted down.
This moment signified Liverpool’s reinvigoration over their local rivals, even though they have yet to regain their previous Premier League dominance this season.
While this performance didn’t signal a return to their best form, the result sparked momentum that could help them return to competing against Europe’s elite next season.
They now sit seven points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea with five matches remaining, putting them in a commanding position given Chelsea’s current struggles.
“It’s vital for us to remain focused on qualifying for the Champions League,” Slot said when asked about widening the gap on Chelsea.
“However, the significance of this match extended beyond the league standings. We wanted to represent Liverpool well.
“Just four days ago, we honored the memory of the tragedy at Hillsborough, and we used that inspiration in this game because it’s an honor to represent this club.”
“Securing a win against Everton in their inaugural match at the new stadium, especially after the challenging week we’ve had, is a tremendous credit to everyone associated with Liverpool FC.”
Mohamed Salah, who is set to depart the club, scored in the first half — his ninth and final goal in the Merseyside derby — which somewhat dimmed the vibrant atmosphere that Everton had built with a strong start.
This moment came just moments after VAR correctly ruled out a goal for Iliman Ndiaye, further diminishing the mood. The stadium announcer had proclaimed Ndiaye’s would be the first-ever goal scored here, without mentioning Salah’s honor when he netted following a beautiful assist from Cody Gakpo.
However, when Beto found the net off a cross from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to equalize in the 54th minute, optimism surged back through the stadium.
In February, James Tarkowski had scored a spectacular late equalizer at Goodison Park. At that time, there was a palpable sense that the home side could seize victory, pushing the new stadium to its limits.
The need for Liverpool to substitute in third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman due to an injury sustained by Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was hurt by Beto during the equalizer, only heightened Everton’s expectations further.
With eleven minutes of stoppage time indicated, the belief remained that a dramatic moment was imminent. When Tarkowski scored previously, Liverpool held a 30-point lead over Everton. Now, Van Dijk’s goal places them eight points clear, which, though Liverpool has seen a decline, reflects David Moyes’ team’s growth.
The Toffees are just one point behind sixth-placed Chelsea, with Brentford, Bournemouth, and Brighton also competing for European spots ahead of them.
“The players executed well overall, even though there were moments when Liverpool had control; we had some solid stretches as well,” the Everton manager commented.
In the end, the accolades belonged to Liverpool. While silverware may elude them this season, this match could still deliver a spark of positivity during a campaign marked by shortcomings.