Liverpool 2 Everton 1: Virgil van Dijk exploits Jordan Pickford error on dream debut
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Virgil van Dijk scores Liverpool's winner from a corner on his debut to win the Merseyside derby
Whatever he achieves at Liverpool, however long he stays at this illustrious club, Virgil van Dijk will have this night; will have this encounter; will have this piece of history.
It was destined, maybe, that Liverpool’s record signing would – on his debut – rise high to head home the winning goal that sent them into the fourth round of the FA Cup and knock out, of all teams, Everton. The noise, even for the incredible level of decibels previously achieved inside Anfield, was astonishing when the realisation dawned that it was Van Dijk who had reached the corner to score.The aftermath may also centre on a furious first-half clash between Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Everton’s Mason Holgate – what happened and what may have been said by the striker – and that is, potentially, for the authorities to pick through.
There was intent, there was frenzied commitment, with Wayne Rooney cautioned after just six minutes for the kind of challenge – sliding in on Joe Gomez, catching him late – he felt he had to make rather than actually had to make as the ball pinged around the pitch, the midfield a blur of red and blue.
And then there was controversy with the penalty award. It came as Emre Can slid the ball into Adam Lallana, right on the edge of the area, and he attempted to turn Holgate. The defender’s arms were on him and Lallana went down, easily, but was it enough to concede a spot-kick?
Interestingly referee Bobby Madley played on and allowed the ball to run to Sadio Mané who cracked a first-time shot wide. Then Madley pointed to the penalty spot. Up stepped James Milner and he clipped the ball to Jordan Pickford’s right as the Everton goalkeeper dived the other way.
Liverpool's Roberto Firmino falls into the stands after being pushed by Everton's Mason Holgate
Holgate shoves Firmino into the stand CREDIT: ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS/CARL RECINE
It looked like a ‘soft’ penalty - another in the Premier League? - while Liverpool will argue that it was as legitimate, maybe, as the one recently awarded to Everton in the draw between the two side here. Karma ...
Tempers frayed further. On the touchline Everton manager Sam Allardyce was furious and then the ball ran towards the corner with Holgate – maybe his blood still up – pushing Roberto Firmino into the advertising hoardings with the striker tumbling into the crowd. He ran back on to angrily confront Holgate with other players scurrying over before Madley gained control.
The occasion, the status of the 230th Merseyside derby perhaps surpassing that of a third round FA Cup tie, demanded the line-ups were not diluted, despite the intensity of the festive schedules.