Liverpool edged a dramatic Merseyside derby victory over Everton on Sunday, with a stoppage-time header from Virgil van Dijk boosting their push for Champions League qualification ahead of a decisive Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.
Van Dijk struck in the 100th minute from a Dominik Szoboszlai corner to seal a 2–1 win at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, as Liverpool moved seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea in the race for a top-five finish.
Mohamed Salah had earlier given Liverpool the lead, finishing from a precise pass by Cody Gakpo, before Everton levelled through Beto early in the second half. The match took a dramatic turn when Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was stretchered off following a collision in the build-up to the equaliser.
The contest appeared headed for a draw until Van Dijk’s late intervention sparked jubilant celebrations and strengthened Liverpool’s grip on a Champions League place.
Villa edge seven-goal thriller
Aston Villa survived a stunning late fightback to beat Sunderland 4–3, with Ollie Watkins scoring twice to keep Unai Emery’s side firmly in the top-four race.
Villa looked in control at 3–1 but were rocked by quickfire goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor before Tammy Abraham struck a late winner.
At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest climbed further away from danger with a 4–1 comeback win over Burnley, inspired by a hat-trick from Morgan Gibbs-White.
The result moved Forest five points clear of 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who remain under pressure in the relegation battle alongside West Ham United.
Attention now turns to the Premier League summit clash, with Manchester City hosting Arsenal later on Sunday. A win for Pep Guardiola’s side would further tighten the title race, with City also poised to overtake Arsenal if they win their game in hand midweek.
