Liverpool doubled their advantage when substitute Divock Origi headed in from close range to make it 2-0 against Everton and win the match
By Kehinde Okeowo
Two second-half goals earned Liverpool who faced their Merseyside rivals Everton at the Anfield stadium on Sunday evening a vital win in the race for the Premier League title.
While Liverpool were trying to win and get within a point of league leaders, Man City, Everton were trying to avoid defeat after being dragged into the relegation zone.
Liverpool have scored first in 12 of their previous 14 home games against Everton in the Premier League, although the Toffees did so in this fixture last season.
The Reds had most of the ball possession, but they were unable to break down the resolute Everton defence in the first half, both teams went into the half-time without a shot on target.
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The home side decided to freshen things up in the second-half, as they brought on cult hero Divock Origi and Luis Diaz for Naby Keita and Sadio Mane in the 60th minute.
Liverpool then opened the scoring when Mohamed Salah played a one-two with Divock Origi and lifted a cross into Andy Robertson, who headed across the lunging Jordan Pickford and in from six yards out.
The Reds then doubled their advantage 5 minutes to the end of the game when
Jordan Henderson crossed into the box and Luis Diaz tried an acrobatic volley which bounced across the box and Origi headed in from close range to make it 2-0.
The second goal means the substitute, Divock Origi has scored in yet another derby and given Liverpool the needed breather in an ill-tempered match.
The Reds with the win have now closed the gap on Man City with four games to go, meanwhile, defeat means Everton stay in the relation zone with few games to play.
OTHER PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS
Brighton 2 vs Southampton 2 (FT)
Burnley 1 vs Wolves 0 (FT)
Chelsea 1 vs West Ham 0 (FT)