Liverpool extend their Premier League lead to 12 points with Jota’s decisive goal against Everton

LIVERPOOL April 4, 2025, England: Liverpool continued their pursuit of the Premier League title with a 1-0 victory over Everton in a gritty Merseyside derby, as Diogo Jota scored the only goal of the match in the second half on Wednesday.

The victory put the champions-elect on 73 points from 30 games, maintaining a 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, while Everton, whose nine-match unbeaten run ended, sit 15th with 34 points.

Everton had an early goal by Beto ruled out for offside and missed a great chance before Jota broke the deadlock in the 57th minute with his first goal in two and a half months. Anfield erupted when Luis Diaz back-heeled the ball into Jota’s path, and the Portuguese forward beat a challenge before firing the ball into the net.

“Massive, of course,” Jota said after the match. “Not only because it’s a derby, but also because it was the first game since the international break. It was important to start with three points, and hopefully, that gives us momentum for the rest of the season.”

Liverpool fans were disappointed when Everton’s James Tarkowski wasn’t shown a red card for a strong tackle on Alexis Mac Allister in the 11th minute, with only a yellow card given.

The two teams had previously played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in February, a game that included four red cards, including one for Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot.

Although Liverpool are unbeaten in 26 league games, they came into this match after a rough patch, having been eliminated by Paris St. Germain in the Champions League and losing to Newcastle United in the League Cup final.

On Wednesday, Slot’s team looked off-color, and Everton almost took the lead when Beto broke free from Virgil van Dijk, only to see his shot hit the post.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher started in place of regular keeper Alisson, who was recovering from a concussion suffered on international duty with Brazil.

Tarkowski’s contentious tackle on Mac Allister added to the heated atmosphere, with VAR confirming the yellow card decision. Tarkowski’s challenge earned him his 63rd yellow card, tying the record for the most yellow cards in Premier League history without a red.

Everton manager David Moyes defended Tarkowski’s tackle, calling it a “brilliant” challenge for a derby. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, however, said Tarkowski was lucky not to be sent off.

“We were playing against Everton, they make it very difficult for you,” said Van Dijk. “The games we have played against each other over the years have always been tough. The first half wasn’t our greatest but we kept a clean sheet, and Jota made a fantastic goal. Three points and we move on.”

Moyes, still without a win at Anfield after 22 attempts with various clubs, admitted Liverpool were the better team but expressed his displeasure with the goal, claiming it was offside. “I’m really surprised it wasn’t given,” he said, adding, “Or maybe I’m not surprised. I don’t think many managers come here and think that they get loads of decisions at Anfield generally.