Liverpool re-established its 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in the 246th Merseyside derby.

There was plenty of controversy about the goal, with Luis Diaz appearing offside in the build up while Liverpool was also incensed after James Tarkowski escaped a red card for a reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.



The chant "We're gonna win the league" could once again be the closing anthem.

Everton star admits close relationship with Liverpool icon: “It’s hard to say…”	Jamie Carragher reacts to news of Mohamed Salah nearing new Liverpool deal with three-word message	Milos Kerkez reacts to Mohamed Salah contract news

"Liverpool's job might have been made simpler if James Tarkowski had been shown a red card early on for what was essentially an attack on Alexis Mac Allister, but this victory was largely down to patience, perseverance and character."

.

The 246th Merseyside derby was not just another step towards the Premier League title for Liverpool, but also a cathartic release, as evidenced by the reactions.

Just another typical Merseyside derby controversy.

"Of more importance to Liverpool on this emotional occasion were the cold, hard facts of victory.

Strangely enough, the first 10 minutes or so had, by derby standards, been distinctly amicable but then a ricochet found its way into a small patch of land midway between James Tarkowski and Alexis Mac Allister.

"Old-fashioned types would refer to it as a hospital ball and let's just say Tarkowski is, er, an old-fashioned type.
For more news relating to Everton, visit our sister site EFC Live.