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14.

That his 10-game goal drought has coincided with Liverpool crashing out of the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United has led to debate in some quarters over the striker's long-term future.

Diogo Jota scored the winning goal to give Liverpool a 1-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Again in the first half against Everton, Jota struggled to make an impact, before opening the scoring with a trademark cool finish past Pickford after the break.



-- Mark Ogden

Liverpool's attack misfiring

No team has scored more goals than Liverpool's 70 in the Premier League this season, and yet, with the summer transfer window hurtling into view, the need for a shake-up of the Reds' attack is glaring.

Mohamed Salah has been imperious for much of the season -- notching 32 goals in all competitions -- but, with the Egypt international out of contract at the end of the season and about to turn 33, Liverpool need reinforcements to help share the load.

But when you consider that Jota, Núñez, and Díaz have scored just four goals in their last 44 appearances combined, Liverpool's reliance on Salah suddenly looks stark.

A summer reshuffle is needed if Liverpool want to build on the success of this season and continue to challenge for the biggest prizes.

Everton have been a tough team to watch in recent seasons, particularly under previous manager Dyche, due to the side being stacked with ball-winners and runners rather than players capable of dictating the play with creativity.

But Alcaraz has added flair and control to Everton's midfield, and he outshone Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch and Mac Allister with his contribution in this game.

Everton can sign the Argentina international for just £12 million when his loan ends this summer and, with their Premier League future as good as secured, keeping Alcaraz at the club as they prepare to launch a new era at their new stadium would be a smart move.

To make such an impact against the best midfield in the league this season underlined his quality and what he adds to Everton.

-- Ogden

Van Dijk showing worrying signs of decline

Virgil van Dijk is one of the all-time great Premier League defenders, and the Liverpool captain is assured of legendary status at Anfield, but even the best can have a bad night, and he will want to forget his performance against Everton pretty quickly.

With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, Van Dijk's Liverpool future is still in doubt.

-- Ogden

Liverpool dig deep to return to winning ways

If winning ugly is a sign of champions, then Liverpool's latest outing showed why Slot's side now find themselves on the cusp of making history.

Not for the first time this season, the league leaders looked some way short of their sparkling best against Everton, lacking the flair and fluency that has been instrumental to them building up a commanding 12-point lead at the summit.

But winning is an addictive habit and, having suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time under Slot before the international break, Liverpool dug deep to clinch a victory that will do plenty to settle any nerves that have been brewing within the Reds fanbase of late.

At the final whistle on Wednesday night, there was an almighty roar from players and fans alike as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in the league to an impressive 26 games and, perhaps, banished some burgeoning doubts about their title-winning credentials.

"And now you're gonna believe us, we're gonna win the league," crowed the jubilant home supporters as they filed out of the stadium.
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