Liverpool

Everton have waited a long time to enjoy a home victory in a Merseyside derby against Liverpool so it was no surprise they relished the occasion.

Sean Dyche's side not only pushed themselves further away from the Premier League danger zone, they also inflicted a potentially fatal blow on Liverpool's title chances.

It was hard to know which part of this equation Everton fans enjoyed most as their songs of victory were mixed with the taunt of "You Lost The League At Goodison Park".

Everton tore into Liverpool from the first whistle, winning tackles as well as aerial battles further forward, where Dominic Calvert-Lewin made it a miserable night for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

And it was no surprise that Everton's goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin came from set pieces, their great strength - but this was a top-class team performance.

Jordan Pickford was faultless when required while Idrissa Gueye gave his finest performance since returning to Everton.

The occasion also reminded Everton what they will miss when they leave Goodison Park for Bramley Moore Dock at the end of next season, the old stadium rocking to the rafters throughout in a fiercely hostile atmosphere.

It also begs the question about where this particular version of Everton has been for most of this season.

Manager Dyche, who got everything spot on in his approach, will expect to see it again when Brentford come to Goodison Park on Saturday night.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool's front line faced scrutiny following their 2-0 defeat by Everton on Wednesday, which left the Reds three points off league leaders Arsenal.

Jurgen Klopp's side had 23 shots, seven on target, but failed to put any of them past Jordan Pickford.

A graphic from Wednesday's Match of the Day showed all three of Liverpool's forwards ranking inside the top 10 for big chances missed this season.

"It's not Liverpool-like," former Manchester City defender Micah Richards told Match of the Day. "They've got so much quality and normally in these games they put away these big opportunities.

"Especially Darwin Nunez. He has missed 26 big chances and only scored 11 goals. You can say that other players have missed big chances, but they are also scoring more goals.

"I think Liverpool will be ruing that."

Watch highlights and analysis on BBC iPlayer

It has been a long time coming.

October 17 2010 was the last time Everton beat Liverpool at Goodison, prior to Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory and the scenes at the final whistle showed exactly what it meant to the manager, players and fans. It was a performance packed with passion and purpose from Everton.

Liverpool may have had periods of dominance in possession, but they never got to grips with Everton’s aerial threat and looked decidedly uncomfortable well before Jarrad Branthwaite opened the scoring.

Everton hassled and harried for everything on an evening when everyone played their part. The Royal Blue spine of the team did everything asked of them. And then some.

Jordan Pickford’s positioning was faultless and his instinctive goalkeeping is right up there with the best of them.

Jarrad Branthwaite put in another incredibly assured performance at the heart of the Everton defence and his partnership with James Tarkowski has been a key factor behind the team’s 11 clean sheets this season.

Idrissa Gueye was an impressive bundle of fractious energy at the heart of midfield.

Finally, at the top end, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the focal point and his ability to get Everton up the pitch proved priceless. His performance was right up there with the run of form that made him a regular in the England squad, before an injury plagued period undermined his footballing prowess. It was fitting that he soared highest at the far post to head in Dwight McNeil’s right-wing corner just before the hour mark to double Everton’s advantage.

There is still a bit to do before Premier League safety is assured, but three wins from four matches - with three clean sheets thrown in - is a good run of form at any stage of the season. For Everton, it has come precisely at the right time.

The 6-0 defeat at Chelsea sandwiched in between that run of victories was a new low and it pointed to worrying concerns about their future. But it is how you respond to setbacks that acts as a true measure of courage and conviction.

Everton’s response could hardly have been better.

Sean Dyche told his players in the dressing room at Goodison last night to enjoy the victory and all that it means - but the big test now is Brentford on Saturday evening.

We asked for your views on Everton's 2-0 win over Liverpool on Wednesday.

Here are some of your answers:

Karen: Season over as far as I am concerned. Their passion has fizzled out. Always making it so difficult by conceding early goals. This team achieves such a high percentage of possession but too many chances are wasted. Too many drawn fixtures and too many losses against teams in games that should be a comfortable win. We have so much quality, but little substance.

Claude: Well it is all over now. No chance Liverpool will win the league this season. Poor performance from the boys. There was no desire or focus in how to win. Poor performance in front of goal. Typical situation we have seen too often. Need an overhaul of the squad in the summer and a manager who won’t accept failure. Bring in [Ruben] Amorim.

Matthew: Liverpool looked done when they scraped a win against Sheffield United. Over achieved with this squad. Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez both need to go and better replacements found. Salah has been a club legend but time seems to have caught up with him. Nunez is just not good enough.

Hemanth: The fatigue of going behind in almost every game throughout the season and then playing catch up has well and truly caught up with us. The defence will need to be strengthened during the summer. Will be a sad, sad way to give a send off to Klopp.

Graeme: In 60 years of watching Liverpool, I cannot remember ever seeing them play with so little sparkle. They lost possession frequently. They seem indecisive in front of goal and Salah and Nunez seem to be really struggling up front. Something is seriously wrong in the camp. They seem disjointed and out of ideas.

Ben: The title race is now a two-horse race. Yet again Liverpool promise, yet again they fall away. Klopp said he no longer has the energy to do the job - clearly neither do the players. A big clear out in summer is needed starting with Nunez and [Cody] Gakpo. It may be the end for Salah as well. New defenders will also be needed. One win in four is not acceptable.

We asked for your views on Everton's 2-0 win over Liverpool on Wednesday.

Here are some of your answers:

Chris: Total commitment by every player on the pitch. That kind of performance is what the fans love to see. Appreciate it can not be like that every game due to depth of squad, but performances against Chelsea are not expected either. Superb heart and spirit - and even some skill. Well done the Blues.

John: Everton produced an outstanding team performance with every player devoting themselves to the team cause. Especially impressive was the quality of the defence again with each player making important contributions. Going forward they put Liverpool under pressure on both the first and second phase ball. Finally, the fans were brilliant throughout.

Anton: Wow. But now the euphoria has died down, this rousing victory actually leaves more questions than answers. The lads to a man were incredible but where has this performance been most of the season? Are these players stuck in the cycle of "end of season escape heroes"? Either way, if we stay up, Dyche has to be manager of the year.

John: Looked a completely different team from the Nottingham Forest game, but with the same result! Jordan Pickford silenced any doubters and Everton got a break they richly deserved.

Alan: Everton gave a perfect performance in all areas. The dogs of war were back as their midfield hustled Liverpool out of there stride. The crowd played their part in lifting the players as Everton won the league for Arsenal or Manchester City and secured safety for themselves in a merited win.

Pete: Derby games, and under the lights at Goodison, are always going to be special and rarely follow form book or league positions. We dared to dream and played as a 12th man. Everton just ran at them and off the ball ,they regrouped quickly into shape. Liverpool were frustrated, particularly Van Dijk, and it spoiled them.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Everton defender Conor Coady says they "were brilliant all night" against Liverpool and fully deserved their victory against a lacklustre Reds.

"That was a proper Everton performance," he told the Football Daily podcast. "It looked like a proper team, playing a certain way and sticking to it to make it difficult for Liverpool.

"They were brilliant all night and deserved to win."

It was the first time the Toffees have beaten Liverpool at home in the Premier League since October 2010 and it also ended their 12-game winless run in Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park.

"It was a real battle and performance," added ex-Premier League midfielder Michael Brown. "The set pieces and defence were strong and Jordan Pickford was impressive.

"The atmosphere definitely helped them get over the line too.

"Hopefully with all the negativity around the points deductions, it will be a weight lifted and they can look forward to brighter times ahead."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Wednesday night's four Premier League fixtures as well as the goals from Tuesday's game.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Image source, Getty Images

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown has been considering why Liverpool's form has tailed off in recent weeks.

"At the start of this season, I felt their transition came quicker than expected," said Brown. "I did not think they would be fighting near the top of the Premier League.

"But I would have thought they would have been okay against Everton because of the fight and desire that comes with a derby game.

"Has the Atalanta result derailed them? Or is because Jurgen Klopp is leaving at the end of the season?"

However, ex-Nottingham Forest and Republic of Ireland winger Andy Reid was unconvinced Klopp's impending exit is to blame.

"It would be easy to point the finger at Klopp's departure, but I am not sure it has had much of an impact," he said.

"I am just still surprised by the timing of it because they are building a core team with a great base of players. It will be interesting to see who takes it on and what they will do.

"Historically when big players have left it is really difficult for clubs to pull themselves back."

So if it is not Klopp's departure on the minds, why have Liverpool stumbled in recent weeks?

Ex-Everton defender Conor Coady believes it is down to an inconsistent starting eleven.

"Liverpool still change a lot of players. I know they have had injuries but you do not know who will be playing in key positions game-to-game.

"Arsenal and Manchester City have nailed down their team at the business end of the season which can only be a good thing."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Image source, The Mirror / The Telegraph Sport

Thursday's newspapers are unequivocal in lauding Everton's win at the expense of Liverpool's title challenge.

Perfect reading for Toffees supporters - and come back at 09:30 BST for fan views on a first Goodison victory in the Merseyside derby since October 2010.

Image source, The i/ Daily Mail

Liverpool are interested in 28-year-old Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy, with Arsenal also being linked with a move for the Frenchman. (L'Equipe - in French), external

Feyenoord have identified FC Twente boss Joseph Oosting as one of their top managerial targets, should they lose Arne Slot to Liverpool. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "What a night!

"I thought we stuck to the game-plan and we executed it - we stuck together. The defensive unity built the foundation.

"We built from there [Jarrad Branthwaite's goal] as a collective and fans in the stadium - a fantastic night of football.

"If you can win your duels it stands you in good stead and second balls in the middle of the pitch. We allowed them to have possession, but we didn't fear they were going to hurt us.

"That was the biggest thing - hard work and endeavour.

"Football is a funny old game. I went a fair few without scoring but I have scored in the last few.

"We have to keep believing and try your best to stay positive."

On league position: "The reflection on the league is not true, but we have accepted our reality.

"Big three points, the one on Saturday [against Nottingham Forest] was massive and tonight it puts us in a far better position.

"We have to build on that and we have to try to put in a performance at the weekend."

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm very disappointed. We let it happen exactly the game that Everton wanted.

"Two goals from set pieces. They are really strong. We created a lot and didn't score. We were in a rush, not really clear enough. They scored the second goal with the routine they do all season. They had free kick after free kick, but we weren't good enough."

On poor form: "I didn't expect that today but it happened. It's not the greatest moment we are in but we have to play so we have to fight through. We had that after the Fulham game but the two strikers who were in form, one is now injured and one is now hopefully a father. The game was always interrupted by free kicks for them and they go long. It's tricky to defend."

On losing: "It's not the first time that will happen in a football game against passionate, fighting opponents. Harvey [Elliott] came on and had a direct impact. In the end, it's just not good enough.

"We all know the situations were we pretty much shot at [Jordan] Pickford or shot over the goal. We had moments to turn it around but we didn't use them so it is really tricky."

On title race: "They must come in a very bad moment. I don't know. I can only apologise for today to the people. We should have done better and we didn't and that's why we lost."

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to Sky Sports: "Listen, very disappointed in so many ways. Everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performance and think if they gave everything.

"Do they really want to win the league? If you play like this overall in the game and not win any challenges and give the referee an opportunity to give a free-kick away then we have no chance to win the title.

"It is a tough one and obviously we have to do better against a side near the relegation, it is time to focus.

"Eventually we were not good enough and we all have to do much better. We have to do much better in every sense. It is a tough one to take.

"We are in a situation as we have been consistent all season and players who have come in and contributed - we have to do much better."

On being outplayed by Everton: "These games are always a big fight and something that we shouldn't have lost in my opinion,

"But, we did. Now we have to pick ourselves up and be ready for an early kick-off Saturday."

On title race: "If you play like today we have no chance to consider ourselves in the title race."

Image source, Getty Images

Everton boss Sean Dyche, speaking to Sky Sports: "Very pleased with the reaction. This was a different game with the organisation and the belief in the organisation. They're a good side, we know that. The commitment from us had to be there. The energy of the side and also the key moments.

"I thought [Dominic Calvert-Lewin] was outstanding tonight. We've been trying to get him back to where he needs to be and I thought he was outstanding. He gets a goal. He tried to get it over the line and I love that. The second one is a great header. No, I thought he was outstanding tonight.

"Jordan Pickford made some big saves in the first half. It's rare you stop these sides having chances so you need moments yourself. It's hard to pick out one or two.

"We spoke about the desire and the energy of the team and the physical side of the game. The lads did it on Sunday and they'll have to do it again. That's the challenge.

"We stayed focussed tonight and I asked if they could stay with us and they did. Sunday was massive and now it was a massively important derby game. For people like Seamus Coleman, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he's so happy.

"We should be on 41 points and the story's different. Three clean sheets in three home games. The challenge for the players is to go and do it again."

Here are the key facts and figures from Everton's 2-0 win over Liverpool in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

• Everton have beaten Liverpool at home in the Premier League for the first time since October 2010 (also a 2-0 win), ending their 12-game winless run in Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park (D9 L3 before tonight).

• Liverpool have lost two of their past three league games (W1), as many defeats as in their previous 42 matches in the competition combined (W28 D12).

• Jarrad Branthwaite (21y 302d) became Everton’s youngest goalscorer in a Premier League Merseyside derby since Romelu Lukaku in November 2013 (20y 194d) and their youngest Englishman to score in this fixture since Francis Jeffers in April 1999 (18y 68d).

• Liverpool have made 99 changes to their starting XI's in the league this season, with only Brighton (121) making more. The six changes tonight from Sunday's win at Fulham was their most for a Merseyside derby since April 2016 (nine changes in a 4-0 win at Anfield).

• Only Arsenal's David Raya (14) has kept more Premier League clean sheets this season than Everton's Jordan Pickford (11). Indeed, only in 2018-19 has the Englishman kept more shutouts in a top-flight campaign (14).

• Dominic-Calvert Lewin has scored three goals in his last four league games for Everton, as many as in his previous 28 appearances in the competition.