Diogo Jota’s second-half strike proved the difference as Liverpool edged Everton in a crucial Merseyside derby win, taking them one step closer to the Premier League title.
Everton should have had the lead at half-time, with Beto seeing an initial effort disallowed for offisde before failing to punish a Virgil van Dijk howler at the back, hitting the post when one-on-one with Caoimhin Kelleher.
But after the break, Liverpool stepped up a notch and found the lead through a brilliant Jota strike, dancing past two defenders before slotting home to end his goal drought.
The Reds were able to hold on for the remainder of the contest, sealing a victory that re-establishes their 12-point lead at the top.
Follow all of the latest from Anfield with our live blog below:
Liverpool vs Everton LIVE
- 21' DISALLOWED GOAL! Beto opener ruled out for offside [LIV 0-0 EVE]
- 33' OFF THE POST! Beto hits woodwork after Van Dijk howler [LIV 0-0 EVE]
- 57' GOAL! Jota ends goal drought to fire Liverpool in front [LIV 1-0 EVE]
- Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz
- Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Harrison, Doucoure, Alcaraz; Beto
Liverpool vs Everton player ratings
23:20 , Will CastleEverton will have left the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park the happier of the two sides, but Liverpool got their revenge at Anfield.
The hosts were far from their fluid and dazzling best against Everton but got the job done as Diogo Jota scored his first goal in a two and a half months to break the deadlock and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points over Arsenal.
Like any Merseyside derby this was not without incident, with James Tarkowski lucky to escape an early red for a bruising high tackle on Alexis Mac Allister, and Liverpool getting a reprieve of their own when Luis Diaz was judged not offside in the build-up to Jota’s goal.
Here are how the players rated at Anfield:
Liverpool vs Everton player ratings: Salah slump continues as Jota rediscovers form
Diogo Jota gives post-match thoughts after ending his goal drought when it mattered most
23:10 , Will Castle“Massive, of course,” Jota told Sky Sports. “Not only because it is a derby, but because of the international break.
"It was important to start with three points and hopefully that gives us momentum for the rest of the season.
"I always believe in myself and believe that the chances will come. The three points was the most important today.
"The only way [to win the title] is to keep winning games."
Jordan Pickford dismisses calls that James Tarkowski was lucky to not see red
23:05 , Will Castle"You've seen at the end he apologised, it's probably a bit of a high foot but he's done what he's done and he's apologised after the game,” Pickford told Sky Sports.
“The VAR says it's not a red card so that's the decision. It's a game of football as well."
How did James Tarkowski not see red for this?
22:50 , Will Castle"For Paul Tierney not to give it on VAR is SHOCKING"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
"That's a straight red, ALL DAY LONG"
No doubts from Jamie Carragher and Duncan Ferguson that James Tarkowski should have seen red for his challenge on Alexis Mac Allister ❌ pic.twitter.com/wqvNqqEurB
Report: Diogo Jota repays Arne Slot’s faith as Liverpool edge another dramatic Merseyside derby
22:29 , Will CastleAfter a Merseyside derby defined by the red cards, a match that may be remembered for the one what wasn’t. After a meeting with Everton that brought Liverpool frustration, one that instead produced elation for them. After Arne Slot ended the draw at Goodison Park suggesting referee Michael Oliver was to blame if Liverpool did not win the title came a match when the officiating, however questionable, will not cost them the silverware.
Instead, Diogo Jota assumed the role of derby decider, ending his drought and Liverpool’s mini-slump with a crisp strike; with it, too, went Everton’s unbeaten run, curtailed at nine. What is instead extended is David Moyes’ perhaps never-ending wait for a win at Anfield; it is now 22 games and counting.
The numbers look rather better for Liverpool. A 100th derby win came in the context of defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle. A 12-point lead at the Premier League summit was restored, with 13 now needed to be guaranteed the title.
Read Richard Jolly’s full report from Anfield here:
Diogo Jota repays Arne Slot’s faith as Liverpool edge another dramatic derby
Liverpool edge past Everton to nab crucial derby win
22:20 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Everton
22:07 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldRelief was the abiding emotion at the final whistle for Liverpool. After two consecutive defeats, albeit in different competitions, a win puts them back on track. They need a maximum of 13 points to become champions now - but realistically, perhaps only six or seven.
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:58 , Will CastleLIVERPOOL ARE BACK TO WINNING WAYS - AND BACK TO 12 POINTS CLEAR!
A derby win of immense importance. Another big step closer to the Premier League title.
Diogo Jota proved the difference, firing in a superb second-half strike to inspire a crucial victory on derby day.
Liverpool have put gut-wrenching defeats from the past month behind them and are now a maximum of 13 points away from the league glory.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:56 , Will Castle90+6 mins: Whistle goes for a foul against Kelleher. Liverpool might’ve had a break on an open goal there, but they won’t care.
That should be it.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:55 , Will Castle90+5 mins: Everton have a corner with 90 seconds left. Pickford is going up.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:55 , Will Castle90+4 mins: Really inviting ball whipped towards Branthwaite at the back post, but it’s a vital over-the-head clearance from Jones to make sure it doesn’t reach the defender.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:53 , Will Castle90+2 mins: Delivery into the Liverpool box, Van Dijk hooks away to clear, and the Reds can break.
Mac Allister fires it forward but it’s cut out by Branthwaite, who plays a very brave pass to get it out of danger.
Liverpool are bringing on their finisher - Wataru Endo on from Mo Salah.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:51 , Will Castle90 mins: SIX minutes added on.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:48 , Will Castle87 mins: What has happened here?
Pickford makes a has of a challenge as Nunez nicks the ball away from him in the box, hacking the Uruguyan down.
It looked a penalty but the game had already gone dead for an earlier foul on Szoboszlai.
Somehow, Nunez is the one punished with a yellow card.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:46 , Will Castle85 mins: Diaz once again at the heart of a Liverpool move as he runs into the area before passing it across to Jones in space, who can’t get a shot away.
That’s the Columbian’s last action of the game as he’s replaced by Gakpo.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:43 , Will Castle82 mins: CHANCE! Diaz drives into the box and dances past his man before drilling a low effort goalwards, blocked by a downed Everton body.
Diaz and the Kop cry handball, but after a VAR check, it’s waved away.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:41 , Will Castle80 mins: Liverpool controlling possession at the moment as they look to try and see out this games.
Szoboszlai thrashes one across the box, an Everton leg gets there first.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:36 , Will Castle75 mins: Goalscorer Diogo Jota makes way for Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s first sub of the game.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:33 , Will Castle72 mins: Everton whip in a corner on top of Kelleher, the Irishman does well to claw it away.
Another delivery is whipped in, it’s headed by Tarkowski against Mac Allister to half-hearted penalty appeals for handball. No dice.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:31 , Will Castle69 mins: Iliman Ndiaye returns to action for the first time since coming off in the last derby at Goodison, where he looked in considerable distress.
A boost for Everton.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:29 , Will Castle67 mins: Liverpool are trying to take this game out of sight as they push for another while they have momentum.
Jota does need to be wary not to get too carried away - he just got booked for sarcastically applauding the ref.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:26 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldDiogo Jota's goal drought is over. Slot arguably picked him too often during his wait for a goal but keeping faith with his preferred centre-forward brought a reward. His goal was a reminder of why Jurgen Klopp used to describe him as the best finisher at Anfield.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:24 , Will Castle60 mins: There was a tinge of controversy to that goal.
Diaz was in an offside position when Tarkowski came across and prevented him from getting the ball - the moment that led to Jota gaining possession before he scored.
Diaz knew he was off and wasn’t trying to actively interfere, which is why the strike hasn’t been ruled out. But Toffees fans will surely take issue with that call nonetheless, as if nobody was behind Tarkowski, he may not have felt the need to stick a leg out.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Everton
21:17 , Will Castle57 mins: GOAL! LIVERPOOL HAVE LIFTOFF!
Everton get dispossessed on the edge of the area with the ball falling to Jota, who dances into the box before firing into the net past Pickford.
He was due a goal. Liverpool have a precious lead in the derby!
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
21:17 , Will Castle55 mins: Everton have four blue shirts breaking on the counter from a Liverpool corner, but the final pass is straight to Kelleher to claim.
Down the other end, Liverpool try to work a shot while an Everton player is hurt on the deck. A shot is fired against a Toffee body before it is played out, sparking a fury from Pickford.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
21:15 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldThe slightly worrying news for the VAR Paul Tierney is that even Duncan Ferguson, famously no shrinking violet, thought James Tarkowski deserved a red card for his challenge on Alexis Mac Allister in the first half. It may be a sign the officials were too lenient...
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
21:14 , Will Castle52 mins: SAVE! Gravenberch lets fly from range and Pickford gets down to parry - it’s not convincing and goes straight into the path of Salah, but the big leg of Branthwaite gets to the high ball first to knock out for a corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
21:12 , Will Castle51 mins: Nice move by Liverpool as Jota and Szoboszlai engage in a give and go, playing the former into the box before his shot is saved by the foot of Pickford.
Flag goes up afterwards against Szoboszlai.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
21:09 , Will Castle48 mins: Two corners into the box from Liverpool, both dealt with by Everton.
Frenetic start to the second half, Liverpool enjoying the ball.
BACK UNDERWAY! Liverpool 0-0 Everton
21:07 , Will Castle46 mins: BACK UNDERWAY! We’re off again at Anfield.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Everton
21:03 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:51 , Will CastleAn Everton head meets the free-kick but it goes well wide - and that’s half-time!
No goals but a very eventful half, one which Everton have threatened the most.
The Toffees have had a disallowed goal and a shot off the post, both from Beto, meaning Liverpool won’t be too peeved with the scoreline at the break.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:50 , Will Castle45+4 mins: Another Everton counter and Beto is played in behind, racing against Konate. It’s played back to Alcaraz who wins a corner from the long shot.
Nothing comes from the corner, but as they try and build again, Liverpool concede a free-kick. Last action of the half this.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:48 , Will Castle45+2 mins: Everton come away on the break again and as a ball is whipped into Alcaraz, it loops up to Beto on the edge of the six-yard box who goes for the acrobatic effort.
Kelleher bravely snatches it out of the air.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:46 , Will Castle45 mins: Gravenberch lets fly from range and it takes a big deflection off an Everton leg, bouncing luckily into the grasp of Pickford. That shot looked to be travelling as well.
FOUR minutes added on for the first half.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:45 , Will Castle43 mins: Wonderful ball into the box by Gravenberch, Diogo Jota looks to be there for a tap in but Tarkowski gets a vital touch on it to divert the ball away from the striker.
Harrison then gets it away before Robertson blazes over.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:41 , Will Castle40 mins: Heart-in-mouth stuff for Everton as a pass-back towards Tarkowski is light, with Jota chasing onto it.
The Toffees captain does just enough to deal with it and snatch the ball away from Jota.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:38 , Will Castle37 mins: Liverpool need to get a grip on this game.
Everton once again come away with the ball and its just about dealt with by Van Dijk.
Down the other end, they’ve just won a corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:34 , Will Castle33 mins: OFF THE POST! So nearly a DISASTER for Liverpool!
Konate loses it on halfway and Everton have a chance to break. The pass into Beto is poor but Van Dijk completely makes a mess of the intervention, giving the striker a clear run on goal.
He gets it past Kelleher but hits the inside of the post and away. A massive let off for the hosts.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:32 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldIt has been as competitive as might be expected. Slot felt that, at Goodison Park, as against Newcastle at Wembley, Liverpool weren't really able to impose their own style of play. Liverpool have had more possession so far but it has felt a typical derby game. Luis Diaz has been bright and his duel with Jake O'Brien will be well worth watching. Diaz in effect won Liverpool the game here last year when Ashley Young could not cope with him.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:29 , Will Castle28 mins: CHANCE! Diaz gets the ball and looks to create as he so often has done during this game.
He picks out Salah at the back post with a lofted cross, whose header goes straight at Pickford.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:26 , Will Castle25 mins: Wonderful cross-field ball by Konate as Liverpool look to put the pressure on at the other end.
They win a corner which isn’t dealt too convincingly by Pickford, but it’s cleared and Everton run away with it.
Van Dijk lucky not to be booked for pulling Alcaraz back on the counter.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:21 , Will Castle20 mins: DISALLOWED GOAL! Beto gets in behind and holds off the challenge of Van Dijk before slotting past Kelleher - only to see the flag go up.
It’s being checked by VAR... and it’s been confirmed by VAR. Chalked off.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:19 , Will Castle17 mins: O’Brien lumps an awkward long throw into the Liverpool box, with it bouncing through the crowd towards Alcaraz in space.
Alacaraz fires a shot goalwards, a vital block put in and Liverpool clear.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:16 , Will Castle14 mins: Szoboszlai stands over the free-kick which beats the wall but misses the target.
Luckily for Mac Allister, he’s back on his feet. That Tarkowski challenge was a potential leg breaker.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:15 , Richard Jolly at Goodison ParkArne Slot disagreed with some of the refereeing decisions at Goodison Park rather too much. He was more measured in shaking his head after seeing James Tarkowski's challenge on Alexis Mac Allister but the presumption is he thought the Everton captain should have seen the fifth red card of this season's Merseyside derbies. Once again, the drama is revolving around Tarkowski.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:13 , Will Castle11 mins: Diogo Jota dances into the box and has an effort blocked - but as James Tarkowski flies in to clear, he clamps Mac Allister high on the shin on the follow through. He got a lot of ball, but even more of the man.
VAR have reviewed it and deemed it not a red card offense. In my book, Tarkowski is very, very lucky.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:11 , Will Castle9 mins: Jones has a little nibble at Alcaraz who then goes down in the box, sparking an appeal from the away end.
Nothing given.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:06 , Will Castle5 mins: Liverpool fans haven’t watched their team play in two and a half weeks. For a team that is often drowning in fixtures, that feels like an age.
No surprise Anfield is in full voice during the opening stages here.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:04 , Will Castle2 mins: Liverpool have started with a lot of energy, a surprise to no-one.
Diaz gets it on the left and drives into the box before going to ground - the referee blows his whistle but it’s for the ball going out rather than to give a penalty.
A corner then gets whipped in, Konate connects but it loops over.
Frantic start.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Everton
20:01 , Will Castle1 min: KICK-OFF! We’re off at Anfield. This feels massive.
Kick-off up next
19:55 , Will CastleJust five minutes away from kick-off in the Merseyside derby, and they don’t get much more crucial than this.
The players are lining up in the tunnel and Anfield’s atmosphere is reaching boiling point.
We’ll have all the action, right here.
Arne Slot on Alisson's absence
19:50 , Will Castle“We as a club follow the protocol and he had to tick all the boxes. Yesterday, he didn't tick the last box,” Slot said pre-match.
"We have Kelleher who has shown this season that he is maybe too good to be Alli's [Alisson] back-up."
Slot also confirmed that Curtis Jones is starting at right-back, saying: “Yes, he is. We are missing thee right full-backs at the minute."
Liverpool fans send message to wantaway Trent Alexander-Arnold
19:40 , Will CastleLiverpool sentiment towards local star Trent Alexander-Arnold has soured in light of recent developments. They’ve sent him a message ahead of kick-off tonight.
The ‘unacceptable’ Liverpool mistake that must change in Merseyside derby
19:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleTime and again, Arne Slot described himself as “rational”. He can often seem the most sensible man in the strange world of Premier League management but his first taste of the Merseyside derby ended with Slot looking his most irrational, with Michael Oliver brandishing the red card after a post-match blast, and the subsequent referee’s report revealing that the Liverpool head coach told the official: “I will f***ing blame you if we don't win the league.”
As Slot approaches a rematch – with Everton, not Oliver – the aim is to be the calm, measured winner who has taken his team to the brink of the Premier League title.
The ‘unacceptable’ Liverpool mistake that must change in Merseyside derby
The Premier League has never been more popular but it has never had more problems
19:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere was a strange feeling around some Premier League training grounds on Monday, especially for the modern game. It was one of refreshment. The sun was out for a lot of teams, and many players haven’t had a game for two and a half weeks. It represents the longest break the Premier League has had since the summer.
Such a gap would normally bring the same sense of refreshment to the actual games, but then this is also a strange time for the Premier League as a whole. Normally so used to being the biggest show around, “the world’s best league” last weekend witnessed the FA Cup bringing some actual storylines back to a relatively drab season.
That was something else that fed into the feeling at some training grounds this week. There is a sense of a season winding down, rather than building to a crescendo.
The Premier League has never been more popular but it has never had more problems
Surprise goalkeeper selection by Slot
19:16 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldSomething of a surprise to see Caoimhin Kelleher starting. The general expectation, not least from Arne Slot's press conference yesterday, was that Alisson would be fit. It actually means Kelleher retains his place, as he started the Carabao Cup final. The lone change is to bring Curtis Jones in at right-back, where he played against Leicester last season, though Slot will hope to see a change of approach after admitting Liverpool were outworked by Newcastle at Wembley. And so Everton, unbeaten in nine, go into this derby as the form team.
Atmosphere reaching fever pitch outside Anfield
19:10 , Will Castle
A reminder of what went down last time out...
19:00 , Will CastleSometimes the Merseyside derby gets criticism for not having that intense ultra-competitive derby feel. February’s meeting at Goodison was not one of those times.
After a back-and-forth contest, James Tarkowski channeled his inner-Jagielka and volleyed home an absolute thunderbolt deep into stoppage time, equalising for Everton in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Then, chaos ensued. Abdoulaye Doucoure went over to the away to rub the result - which very much felt like two points lost for Liverpool - in the faces of Reds fans. Toxteth boy Curtis Jones did not take kindly to that, squaring up to Doucoure and sparking a brawl.
Jones was sent off, Doucoure was sent off, and after telling referee Michael Oliver how he felt about his officiating, Reds manager Arne Slot also saw red. Carnage.
Everton welcome back Mykolenko
18:56 , Will CastleThe big news from Everton’s teamsheet is that Vitali Mykolenko has passed his late fitness test and starts at left-back ahead of Ashley Young.
Iliman Ndiaye is also on the bench after returning to training this week.
Derby day comes too soon for Liverpool duo
18:52 , Will CastleAlisson and Conor Bradley both returned to Liverpool training this week and were in contention to feature, but have both missed out on the matchday squad.
Caoimhin Kelleher assumes his usual position as Alisson’s trusted deputy, while Curtis Jones - who was at the centre of controversy when these two sides last met, looks to be playing at right-back.
Ryan Gravenberch, on the other hand, does make a return after suffering a knock in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle.
Confirmed line-ups
18:45 , Will CastleLiverpool XI: Kelleher; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Harrison, Doucoure, Alcaraz; Beto.
Come on you Reds ✊🔴 #LIVEVE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 2, 2025
Your Everton XI for tonight's Anfield clash! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/j63XCLAmdO
— Everton (@Everton) April 2, 2025
Team news on the way...
18:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, just five minutes or so until the team news lands at Anfield - here’s a quick reminder of what we know so far:
Alisson Becker, Ryan Gravenberch and Conor Bradley have all returned to Liverpool training and could be in contention to feature, although a late fitness test will likely prove decisive for the trio. Alisson picked up a suspected concussion on Brazil duty, while Ryan Gravenberch suffered a knock in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final loss. Joe Gomez and Alexander-Arnold remain sidelined.
Wednesday’s trip across Stanley Park will prove too soon for Iliman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, all of whom have returned to training but won’t be ready to feature. Vitali Mykolenko is in contention though, while Orel Mangala remains a long-term absentee for David Moyes after injuring his ACL in January.
Will there be any surprises?
Virgil van Dijk sends message to Liverpool fans
18:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleVirgil van Dijk has urged the Liverpool fans to lift the home side tonight as they chase the Premier League title.
"All season long, I have been talking about focus, humility, hard work, togetherness and full commitment, and those are the things, along with our quality, which will get us to where we want to be,” Van Dijk says in his programme notes.
"You guys can play your part too. I've said previously that we want Anfield to be absolutely on fire every time we play between now and the end of the season, and I'd like to repeat that request here.
"We have five home games remaining, starting on Wednesday night, and our wish is that every single one of our opponents feels the power of this stadium. Let's have the place bouncing, from first whistle to last.
"We know what to expect from Everton. We only have to go back a few weeks to see that.
"The game at Goodison Park in February was really tough and ended in disappointment for us with that late equaliser, but we know we can play better than we did that night, and with you guys roaring us on, that will be the aim.”
Jamie Carragher explains ‘disappointment’ over Trent Alexander-Arnold
18:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleLast week brought news that, while perhaps unsurprising, would have come as a disappointment to Liverpool fans with Trent Alexander-Arnold seemingly close to agreeing a move to Real Madrid. Will it be business as usual for the right back between now and the end of the season?
Jamie Carragher explains ‘disappointment’ over Trent Alexander-Arnold
How possession became a dangerous game in the Premier League
18:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor so long, possession has been inextricably linked to Premier League success - but things may be changing. Lawrence Ostlere explores how Liverpool are benefitting from a tactical shift:
How possession became a dangerous game in the Premier League
Premier League to introduce offside technology this month
17:45 , Will CastleSemi-automated offsides will be introduced in Premier League matches for the latter stages of the current season, the league has revealed.
The technology was originally intended to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks in October or November.
It was notably debuted in English football during the FA Cup fifth round at the start of March, featuring in seven of the eight ties being played.
Following additional non-live testing in the Premier League, semi-automated offsides will now be used for the first time in the top flight this season, using virtual offside lines and graphics along with optical player tracking for those watching at home or in a stadium.
The Premier League has never been more popular but it has never had more problems
17:30 , Miguel DelaneyThere was a strange feeling around some Premier League training grounds on Monday, especially for the modern game. It was one of refreshment. The sun was out for a lot of teams, and many players haven’t had a game for two and a half weeks. It represents the longest break the Premier League has had since the summer.
Such a gap would normally bring the same sense of refreshment to the actual games, but then this is also a strange time for the Premier League as a whole. Normally so used to being the biggest show around, “the world’s best league” last weekend witnessed the FA Cup bringing some actual storylines back to a relatively drab season.
That was something else that fed into the feeling at some training grounds this week. There is a sense of a season winding down, rather than building to a crescendo.
The Premier League has never been more popular but it has never had more problems
Chelsea and Liverpool eye Dean Huijsen as Bournemouth brace for bids
17:15 , Miguel DelaneyChelsea and Liverpool are both aiming to secure the signing of Dean Huijsen this summer, although Real Madrid are monitoring the Spanish centre-half.
The 19-year-old has been one of many Bournemouth revelations this season, as the south-coast club are bracing themselves for huge interest in a good group of inspired signings. Huijsen's situation is made a little simpler, due to the understanding he has a release clause of around £50m.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have been seeking to sign a new centre-half, and have been simultaneously working on a potential deal to bring the 19-year-old in. While the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are felt to have currently made more progress, Huijsen's future is seen as very much up in the air.
Liverpool's situation may also drastically change due to Virgil van Dijk's contract situation. The 33-year-old has not yet signed a new deal at Anfield.
Chelsea and Liverpool eye Dean Huijsen as Bournemouth brace for bids
David Moyes desperate to end historic Anfield hoodoo
17:00 , Richard JollyDavid Moyes has declared he wants to “get rid” of his record at Anfield and finally earn the away win at Liverpool that has eluded him over his long managerial career.
The Scot takes Everton across Stanley Park for the 246th Merseyside derby on Wednesday after overseeing the second most games in charge at Anfield of any manager who has not won there – but smiled that he would mention Sir Bobby Robson, the only visiting coach to play away at Liverpool more often without tasting victory.
Four red cards and ‘boiling hot mayhem’ – anatomy of Everton v Liverpool and a famous Merseyside derby
16:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleNeed a reminder of that mad, manic Goodison Park epic? Here’s how Richard Jolly made sense of it all in February:
Four red cards and ‘boiling hot mayhem’ – anatomy of a famous Merseyside derby
The ‘unacceptable’ Liverpool mistake that must change in Merseyside derby
16:30 , Richard JollyTime and again, Arne Slot described himself as “rational”. He can often seem the most sensible man in the strange world of Premier League management but his first taste of the Merseyside derby ended with Slot looking his most irrational, with Michael Oliver brandishing the red card after a post-match blast, and the subsequent referee’s report revealing that the Liverpool head coach told the official: “I will f***ing blame you if we don't win the league.”
As Slot approaches a rematch – with Everton, not Oliver – the aim is to be the calm, measured winner who has taken his team to the brink of the Premier League title.
The ‘unacceptable’ Liverpool mistake that must change in Merseyside derby
Liverpool vs Everton LIVE
12:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe end of the Premier League season is looming larger and larger into view, with Liverpool looking to take another big bound towards the title tonight. Rivals Everton make the short trip across Stanley Park for a Merseyside derby that could be an encounter of real consquence.
Kick off at Anfield is at 8pm BST.
