Everton 1-2 Liverpool Player Ratings: Derby Day Drama Ends In Liverpool's Favour As Van Dijk Saves The Day In The Last Minute

Mohamed Salah's final Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium concluded in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, a result that felt just about right on the balance of play. This Premier League encounter was packed with the usual fire and intensity we expect when these two rivals meet.

The controversy early in the match, when an Iliman Ndiaye goal was chalked off by VAR as Jake O'Brien was in an offside position while crossing the ball, was a moment that could have changed the entire complexion of the game.

However, it was Liverpool FC who drew first blood. The visitors capitalized on a swift counter-attack as Iliman Ndiaye misplaced his pass on the left flank, which was picked up by Cody Gakpo.

The Dutchman played an incisive pass to one of the best right wingers in the world currently, Mohamed Salah, who applied a typically cool finish in the 29th minute.

The Toffees came roaring back in the second half, their persistence paying off when Beto bundled home an equalizer. But to Everton's misery, it was Virgil van Dijk who rose the highest to put Dominik Szoboszlai's corner in the back of the net to win it for the Reds.

A huge result for Arne Slot's men on the road to secure Champions League football for next season. Check out the Everton vs Liverpool Player Ratings.

Key Takeaways

• Liverpool had more possession of the ball (56%) and also a better xG (1.11) as compared to Everton, but failed to make the most out of their chances.
• Beto scored his fourth goal in the last three games he has played in the Premier League.
• Jake O'Brien won the most duels in this match (9).

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Everton

Here are the Liverpool Player Ratings from the Everton vs Liverpool Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Giorgi Mamardashvili - 6.0: Had a difficult afternoon, cut short by injury. He made a couple of decent saves inside the box before Beto's goal. Couldn't do much about the equalizer, which was a close-range scramble. His day ended prematurely, which was a real shame.

Defenders

Virgil van Dijk - 8.0: A surprisingly subdued performance from the captain. We noticed he wasn't as dominant in the air as usual, losing a few key aerial battles. He made six clearances but looked a bit rattled by Everton's physicality at times. Not a disaster, but not the imperious standard we expect; however, he redeemed himself with a last-minute winner which makes the Dutchman our Man of the Match.

Ibrahima Konaté - 7.0: Looked like Liverpool's most composed defender before his own injury. He was strong in the tackle, winning 100% of them, and made a crucial last-man tackle. His pace was vital in dealing with Everton's threats, and his absence was felt.

Andrew Robertson - 6.5: A typical all-action display without the final product. He was a willing runner down the left flank all game. However, his delivery wasn't at its best, and he lost possession a dozen times. Defensively, he was sound enough.

Curtis Jones - 7.0: Deployed in a deeper role, he was one of Liverpool's better players. With 94 touches and 13 ball recoveries, he was constantly involved in the play. He kept the ball moving and made some important interceptions, showing a different side to his game.

Midfielders

Florian Wirtz - 7.0: The German youngster was a bright spark in midfield. He created four chances and always looked to play a forward pass. His intelligence on the ball was evident, though he did drift out of the game for periods. A promising performance full of creativity.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 6.0: A frustrating day for the Hungarian. He was busy and got on the ball a lot but struggled to make a decisive impact. We felt he was a bit wasteful in possession and his shooting was off-target. He worked hard but it just wasn't his day.

Ryan Gravenberch - 6.0: Much like Szoboszlai, he struggled to impose himself on the game. He was tidy in possession for the most part but didn't offer much penetration. Committed a few needless fouls and seemed to be on the periphery of the main action.

Forwards

Mohamed Salah - 7.5: The man for the big occasion once again. He took his goal with supreme confidence, a lethal finish that underlined his quality. Beyond the goal, it was a mixed performance with some loose touches, but his goal is what matters most. He was a constant threat Everton had to watch.

Cody Gakpo - 8.0: From our perspective, he was Liverpool's best player. He provided a brilliant assist for Salah's goal and was a creative menace throughout. He created four chances and had five shots, always looking to make something happen. A really impressive and lively display.

Alexander Isak - 5.5: A very disappointing outing for the striker. He was completely anonymous, managing only nine touches before being substituted. He struggled to get involved in the game at all and offered very little threat. A day to forget for him.

Substitutes

Freddie Woodman - N/A: Came on for the injured Giorgi Mamardashvili but wasn't really tested.

Rio Ngumoha - N/A: Replaced the ineffective Alexander Isak but didn't have enough time to make an impact.

Manager

A. Slot - 6.5: His team started brightly and got the goal, but they failed to manage the game effectively. Liverpool allowed Everton to fight their way back into the contest. The injuries didn't help, but he will be disappointed not to have secured the win from a leading position.

Everton Player Ratings vs Liverpool

Have a look at the Everton Player Ratings from Everton vs Liverpool Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford - 6.5: A solid and commanding performance from England's number one. He made three important saves to keep his team in it. His distribution was decent, and he was his usual vocal self. Could do nothing about Salah's clinical strike.

Defenders

James Tarkowski - 6.5: The captain led by example with a warrior-like performance. He put his body on the line with two blocked shots and a crucial clearance off the line. He was a rock at the heart of the defence and embodied Everton's fighting spirit. Unfortunately, he was the one who lost van Dijk in the aerial battle leading to Liverpool's last-minute winner.

Jake O'Brien - 7.0: A really solid showing from the defender. He was immense in the air, winning 83% of his aerial duels. He was unlucky not to get an assist for the disallowed goal. Handled the pressure of the derby exceptionally well.

Vitaliy Mykolenko - 7.0: Did his defensive duties diligently. He was excellent in one-on-one situations, winning all three of his tackles. He didn't venture forward much but provided a solid and reliable presence on the left side of the defence.

Jarrad Branthwaite - 7.5: Another hugely impressive performance from the young centre-back. He read the game superbly, making five clearances and winning all of his duels. His composure on the ball and defensive awareness were outstanding for a player of his age.

Midfielders

Dwight McNeil - 6.0: A mixed bag from McNeil. He worked tirelessly and put in some dangerous crosses, but his final product was inconsistent. He lost possession ten times and had a few wayward shots. A lot of effort, but lacked quality at key moments.

Iliman Ndiaye - 7.5: What stood out to us was his energy and drive. He was a constant thorn in Liverpool's side and was desperately unlucky to have his goal disallowed by VAR. He was brave on the ball, completing three successful dribbles and always looking to attack.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 7.5: A fantastic performance in the engine room. He provided the crucial assist for Beto's goal and was a creative force throughout. He worked hard defensively too, making three tackles. A complete midfield display.

Idrissa Gueye - 7.0: The veteran midfielder did exactly what was asked of him. He was a disruptive force, breaking up play and winning free kicks. His passing was crisp and simple, with a 97% accuracy rate. A quietly effective and crucial performance.

James Garner - 7.5: An all-action, tenacious performance. Garner covered every blade of grass, winning a remarkable five tackles in midfield. His energy and aggression set the tone for Everton's press. He was absolutely vital to his team securing a point.

Forwards

Beto - 7.5: The hero for Everton. He was a physical nightmare for the Liverpool defence all afternoon. He took his goal well, showing great striker's instincts in the box. Though he missed a couple of other chances, his goal was the decisive contribution that earned his team a valuable point.

Substitutes

Thierno Barry - N/A: Came on for the goalscorer Beto but didn't have much of a chance to get into the game.

Tyrique George - N/A: A late substitute for Dwight McNeil.

Manager

D. Moyes - 7.5: His game plan worked to perfection. He set his team up to be aggressive, physical, and difficult to break down. They showed tremendous character to fight back from a goal down. He'll be delighted with the spirit his players showed and fully deserved the point.

Man of the Match

Virgil van Dijk was adjudged Sportsdunia's man of the match in this high-voltage EPL fixture.

Worst Performer

Alexander Isak was the worst of the lot from Everton vs Liverpool.