Liverpool player ratings vs Everton: 3/10 star flops as underwhelming Reds sneak derby win

restored their 12-point lead at the summit by edging past in a 1-0 Merseyside derby victory on Wednesday. Arne Slot's side escaped a disallowed Everton goal and Beto hitting the post in a one-on-one situation before Diogo Jota's 57th-minute opener proved decisive at Anfield.

Express Sport runs through the Liverpool player ratings as the Reds strengthened their grip on a 20th title.

Liverpool player ratings vs Everton

Caoimhen Kelleher: 6

Did enough to put Beto off when the towering Everton striker was bearing down on goal in the first half. Had little else to do.

Curtis Jones: 7

Covered at right-back commendably. Was well involved, kept things ticking with accurate passing and didn't give Carlos Alcaraz much of a sniff down his flank.

Ibrahima Konate: 5

Recovered from a shoddy start to record a crucial clean sheet. Looked nervous, and not for the first time across Liverpool's last few games.

Virgil van Dijk: 5

Beto gave him nightmares in the first half, but he grew into the game and contributed to limiting Everton to very few chances.

Andy Robertson: 7

One of his more assured performances of the season. Consistently won his duels down the left flank and pinned Jake O'Brien back.

Ryan Gravenberch: 6

Heavily involved, taking over 100 touches of the ball, but lost it far too frequently. Improved in the second half.

Alexis Mac Allister: 6

His energy was as crucial as ever, but he was even more wasteful in possession than his midfield partner.

Mohamed Salah: 3

There was more noise about a leaked image of Mohamed Salah filming a potential contract renewal announcement earlier in the day than from the player himself on the pitch. Ineffective.

Completed none of his five take-on attempts and lost 11 of his 14 duels. Liverpool didn't need to rely on him on this occasion.

Dominik Szoboszlai: 5

Couldn't create much against Everton's low block. Hasn't registered an assist at Anfield since against Accrington Stanley on January 11.

Luis Diaz: 8

Liverpool's best player by a distance. Created six chances, won eight of his 10 ground duels and completed five of his six attempted take-ons. An electric performance.

Diogo Jota: 7

A quiet night in general, but took the winning goal expertly. Liverpool needed one of their misfiring forwards to take centre stage when Salah remained in the background on the night.

Substitutes

Darwin Nunez: 5

Booked for... being fouled by Jordan Pickford?

Cody Gakpo: N/A

Not sure he touched the ball once in his short cameo.

Wataru Endo: N/A

Stoppage time introduction.