What Liverpool fans sang at full-time takes on extra special meaning as derby history made
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SportFootballLiverpool FCIan Doyle with the main talking point from Liverpool's Premier League clash at Everton on Sunday afternoonThe first airing of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at Hill Dickinson Stadium was always going to be a special moment for Liverpool supporters.But the manner of this dramatic, deserved and much-needed derby victory on their debut visit to Everton’s stadium will take some beating, no matter how many times they make the trip across the city.And it was wholly appropriate that when Arne Slot’s side made their way to celebrate in front of the jubilant away end, it was Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk leading the salute.If a win forged on hard work and a willingness of this developing new team to roll with yet another major injury setback, it ultimately came down to the decisive contribution of two of Liverpool’s most experienced professionals.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageFor Salah, his neatly-taken opener moved him equal with Steven Gerrard's leading total of nine goals in the Premier League against their neighbours.Van Dijk, meanwhile, encapsulated a stoic individual performance by popping up in the 10th minute of additional time to outmuscle James Tarkowski and head in the winner.It was even later than famed other late derby strikes of recent lore from Sadio Mane and Divock Origi and, of course, Van Dijk himself with his FA Cup header on debut eight years ago.Liverpool have now scored six winners against Everton in the 90th minute of later in the Premier League, the most one side has managed against a single opponent in the competition’s history.Having rightly had their attitude and character questioned in recent weeks, this was the ideal time for Liverpool’s players to stand up and be counted, particularly when Giorgi Mamardashvili left on a stretcher after being caught by Beto for the equaliser to leave third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman between the sticks for a good 40 minutes.The Reds could easily have crumbled.
Instead, they dug in and looked the more likely to snatch the three points.And with the teams behind them all failing to win over the weekend, Liverpool didn't pass up the opportunity to take a firm grip on fifth place and a Champions League qualification berth.Was the performance perfect? After all, only Liverpool have won a Merseyside derby at three different venues in the city.Ian DoyleIan Doyle has covered Liverpool for more than 25 years, following them across Europe in multiple Champions League and Europa League finals and as far afield as Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong and Qatar, and has reported on the Reds winning every major honour.
He previously also covered Everton for 18 years and has followed England, reporting on the European Championships and World Cup final. Once had to tell Jude Law he does not drive a Mini.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCEverton FC