Liverpool needs a foothold. After a season full of ups and downs, they need big stars to speak up and that happened at the Merseyside derby.
In the breathtaking 2-1 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson, Virgil van Dijk became the hero with a decisive header in the 10th minute of injury time, bringing back 3 valuable points and keeping faith for The Kop.
This is not a Liverpool in the best condition. Coach Arne Slot's team has gone through a difficult campaign, with hope gradually running out through each round. But in the decisive moment, their bravery still spoke up.
Tense Derby and emotional turning point
Right from before the match, the atmosphere in Merseyside was heating up. Everton fans covered the streets with flares, flags and enthusiastic cheers, creating great pressure for the away team.
That excitement quickly spread down the field. Everton entered the game with determination and created continuous pressure. In the 27th minute, Iliman Ndiaye opened the score, putting Liverpool in a difficult position.
However, the turning point came quickly. Just 66 seconds later, Mohamed Salah equalized with a cold-blooded finish after Cody Gakpo's assist. The goal not only helped Liverpool return to the match but also helped Salah equalize the 9-goal record in the Merseyside derby in the Premier League, equal to legend Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool is making it difficult again
Despite regaining the game, Liverpool still could not avoid familiar problems. At the beginning of the second half, the defense lacked concentration for Beto to take advantage of the opportunity, scoring to put Everton ahead. This is the sixth consecutive time this striker has participated in scoring.
Difficulties did not stop when goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili suffered a serious injury and had to leave the field. His replacement, Freddie Woodman, had a stressful debut, but stood firm against the pressure.
Van Dijk decides the match
As the match drifted to the final minutes, Liverpool did not play too explosively but was persistent enough to wait for an opportunity.
And that moment came. From Dominik Szoboszlai's corner kick, Van Dijk jumped high to head powerfully, sealing a 2-1 victory in the 90+10 minute.
The goal not only brought 3 points but also kept hopes of participating in the Champions League, as Liverpool is currently 7 points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea in the context of only 5 rounds left in the season.
More than 3 points
More importantly, this victory brings what Liverpool has lacked throughout the season - faith.
In a season full of fluctuations, this may not be a perfect turning point. But at least, Liverpool has proven one thing: they are still a team that cannot be underestimated.
As predicted, the atmosphere on the field was very passionate and they created great pressure, but we stood firm. Giorgi Mamardashvili had a good save from a header and there were not too many clear chances, even though they continuously put pressure.
After about 15-20 minutes, the match usually subsides and then tactical factors begin to play a more important role than the initial period.
That is the perfect time to score, even though this season we have had matches scoring goals and then conceding goals right after that in just 1 or 2 minutes. But this time is a great moment" - Slot said after the match.
