Sean Dyche hailed an outstanding performance from Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Everton took a giant step towards Premier League safety by beating Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby.
The Toffees produced an inspired performance to earn their first derby win at Goodison Park since 2010, with goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin securing a vital three points.
Everton began with intensity and were awarded a penalty inside eight minutes, though the decision was overturned by VAR after Calvert-Lewin was ruled offside in the build up. However, the set-pieces from Sean Dyche’s side unnerved Liverpool all game with Everton first to almost each delivery.
Branthwaite’s opener came on 27 minutes as Liverpool struggled to clear and the loose ball broke invitingly to the Blues defender who squeezed a finish in at the near post.
Everton scored a second just before the hour when Calvert-Lewin rose magnificently to power home a header from Dwight McNeil’s corner. The 27-year-old has endured a wretched record with injuries in recent campaigns but was at his bulldozing best against Liverpool, leaping highest to head in and double the lead.
Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz came closest for Liverpool, with the latter hitting the woodwork late on, but the Reds produced a flat performance and now face an uphill task in the title race. Jurgen Klopp’s side are now three points behind leaders Arsenal, while Manchester City are only a point behind the Reds and have two games in hand.
Everton, who would be mathematically safe without their Premier League points deduction, climb eight points above the relegation places.
“Very pleased with the reaction. This was a different game with the organisation and the belief in the organisation. They’re a good side, we know that. The commitment from us had to be there. The energy of the side and also the key moments,” Everton boss Dyche reflected to Sky Sports.
“I thought [Dominic Calvert-Lewin] was outstanding tonight. We’ve been trying to get him back to where he needs to be and I thought he was outstanding. He gets a goal. He tried to get it over the line and I love that. The second one is a great header. No, I thought he was outstanding tonight.
“Jordan Pickford made some big saves in the first half. It’s rare you stop these sides having chances so you need moments yourself. It’s hard to pick out one or two.
“We spoke about the desire and the energy of the team and the physical side of the game. The lads did it on Sunday and they’ll have to do it again. That’s the challenge.
“We stayed focussed tonight and I asked if they could stay with us and they did. Sunday was massive and now it was a massively important derby game. For people like Seamus Coleman, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s so happy.
“We should be on 41 points and the story’s different. Three clean sheets in three home games. The challenge for the players is to go and do it again.”
