Dream derby result for Liverpool fans but huge summer ahead for Slot
In a season to forget, those Liverpool fans situated in the corner of the Hill Dickinson Stadium will never forget this afternoon on the banks of the River Mersey. As Virgil van Dijk headed in a 100th-minute winner, the 3,000 Liverpool supporters went wild. Yet again, Liverpool had snatched an injury-time winner against their local rivals.
For the sixth time in Premier League history to be precise. In this fixture last season, it was Everton celebrating an added-time equaliser when James Tarkowski scored in the last ever Merseyside derby held at Goodison Park. Now, no matter what happens, Liverpool will always have the bragging rights of the first derby at the Hill Dickinson.
For one afternoon in the Merseyside sunshine, they will not have cared one jot about the struggles they have endured this season. Everton came into this game with real belief but it was Liverpool who defied the early storm to take a surprise lead through Mohamed Salah and they deserve credit for their work on set-pieces in training, which came to fruition when Van Dijk got on the end of Dominik Szoboszlai's corner to exploit an Everton weakness that had been identified in the days leading up to the game. Crucially, Arne Slot's side now look set to secure Champions League football for next season and the Dutchman had two of his most senior players to thank for one of Liverpool 's biggest victories this season.
"At the end of the day, it's the players who have been brilliant for such a long time for Liverpool Football Club that have come up with the goods. It's Virgil van Dijk again, it's Mohamed Salah who has managed to do it again and break Everton hearts," said Pat Nevin on 5 Live. "That goal has probably given Liverpool what they need - and what they need is Champions League football.
They're going to bring in a lot of players next season - yes, the name of Liverpool Football Club means a lot and that will drag a lot of players to them, but the Champions League helps. It really helps and I think they'll get that after that moment from Virgil van Dijk," Nevin added. When it comes to days like this, the result trumps everything but Slot and Liverpool will be aware of the scale of the task that lies ahead.