Liverpool player ratings as Jota the hero but two others really shine

Liverpool player ratings as Diogo Jota the hero but two really shine in derby win over Everton

Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the Merseyside derby against Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday evening

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Liverpool maintained their grip at the top of the Premier League table with a hard-earned derby win over Everton. Diogo Jota struck the only goal shortly before the hour as the Reds saw off the Blues 1-0 at home on Wednesday evening.

The result means Arne Slot's side are once against 12 points clear at the Premier League summit and now require just 13 points from their final seven games to claim a record-equalling 20th championship.

Here the ECHO rate the Liverpool players after a tense evening at Anfield.

Caoimhin Kelleher 7

Watched a shot from Beto hit the post and solid distribution first half. Dealt well with limited Everton aerial threat in closing half-hour.

Curtis Jones 8

Willing to put his foot on the ball and play out from an unaccustomed right-back role, positionally sound and strong in the challenge. A fine performance.

Ibrahima Konate 7

Hands full dealing with the unorthodox and awkward Beto early on but stuck to his task and second half made easier as Liverpool dominated possession.

Virgil van Dijk 6

Made hash of one clearance to gift Beto his first-half chance and not quite assured self before break. Much better after interval as the blustery conditions eased and some good interceptions.

Andy Robertson 8

Sought to get Liverpool going down the left and linked well with Diaz and good engine to make an impact at both ends deep into the game. Good display.

Ryan Gravenberch 7

One thrusting run aside, far too safe when in possession before interval and little influence. Improved after half-time and often the origin of Liverpool’s probings, not least with pass prompting the winner.

Alexis Mac Allister 6

On receiving end of nasty challenge by Tarkowski early on and not much subsequent impact first 45 minutes. Tried hard to get things going second half but not really his night.

Mohamed Salah 6

Worked hard first half but too often ran into the massed ranks of the Everton defence. Kept on at Mykolenko, though. Subbed.

Dominik Szoboszlai 6

No doubting work-rate but flitted in and out of the game too often and not enough threat when in possession.

Luis Diaz 7

Saw a lot of the ball first half and created some danger but too often cut inside into trouble. Made better use of possession after break and so persistent. Shot blocked second half and assist for winner. Subbed.

Diogo Jota 7

No shortage of effort first half but rarely looked like creating much trouble for the Everton defence. Did so well with the winner, though, and needed more protection from referee at times. Booked and subbed.

Darwin Nunez (for Jota 78) 6

A typical cameo from the Uruguayan, packed with the good, the bad and the frankly strange.

Cody Gakpo (for Diaz 86)

Helped keep Everton at bay in the closing stages.

Wataru Endo (for Salah 90+3)

The closer saw it out.

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