Liverpool now need just 13 points from their final eight games of the season to secure the Premier League title after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Wednesday evening. Diogo Jota's goal was enough for Arne Slot's side who move one step closer to a 20th league crown.
A trip to Fulham now follows in what will be a tricky test for Liverpool as they look continue their league momentum.
But with more controversy in the shape of James Tarkowski escaping a red card for a dreadful tackle on Alexis Mac Allister to discuss, our Liverpool FC fans' jury give their take on recent events:
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James Noble (Worcestershire, @james_noble98) - Liverpool schedule can be used to advantage
What a great, and significant, night Wednesday felt. A strong collective effort, one which became increasingly effective as the game progressed, overcame David Moyes’ confident Everton – who ought to give Arsenal a good test at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.
A welcome response to the mid-March setbacks, a good start to the run-in and, simultaneously, a fourth consecutive league win. It mustn’t be forgotten how consistent Arne Slot’s Liverpool have been for so much of this season. Three points closer to the Premier League title. 12 points clear of the Gunners. Eight matches to go. We’d rather be in Europe, but we can use the more spacious schedule to our advantage.
The numbers look good, and so do several on-field elements. Diogo Jota’s wonderfully taken winner cued brilliant scenes and capped a promisingly sharp display. Luis Díaz represented a relentless driving force. Curtis Jones’ right-back shift, meanwhile, was superbly classy.
Now to build on that. Fulham may have lost twice since the international break, but we know how adept an outfit they can be. December’s 2-2 Anfield draw evidenced that. Sunday’s trip to Craven Cottage could have certain parallels to midweek. Controlling turnovers and showcasing the balance seen within Wednesday’s pleasingly authoritative second-half display will give us a good foundation to get another three points closer to the title.
Andrew Cullen (Widnes, @brothersred5) - Rejoice over Jota
After tasting defeat in two cup competitions, and with Arsenal keeping pace, for now at least, the pressure was on to get three points against Everton to quell the recent disappointment. What a game to get back to winning ways.
Everton’s tactics were not sophisticated: sit in deep and launch the ball when in possession. Though, it was a surprisingly effective tactic in the first half, with Virgil and Konate looking a bit tipsy at the back.
In the first half, Liverpool seemed to be suffering the onset of a hangover from the Newcastle defeat; our press wasn’t pressing and our attacking forces looked devoid of creativity. In the second half, we saw the aggression and energy expected in any Derby.
Before Jota slotted the winning goal, it did cross my mind that he has been for some time performing below his usual standards. He can be largely ineffectual in a game, but he finds himself in the right places, and when he does so, he usually produces. This is what makes Jota so frustrating but also so pleasing. He will remain an indispensable squad player for Liverpool because of this very reason. However, he is not built like a Mo Salah ( who is, for that matter). It does feel like Jota is made of glass at times. It’s almost as if you can now predict with some accuracy at the start of the season how many games Jota will play. I do expect summer reinforcements to plug the gaps.
It’s not the time to lament over Jota’s injury record, of course. It’s time to rejoice. He delivered the goods on a pivotal night for Liverpool in their quest for the Premier League Holy Grail.
Rhys Buchanan (Aigburth, @Rhys_Buchanan) - Jota remains important
It’s easy to say with hindsight that Diogo Jota remains an important player for us, but there were plenty of murmurings of discontent around our Portuguese talisman ahead of the Merseyside derby.
In yet another injury stricken season for Jota, there’s been a lot of onus on him to deliver through a tough period of games recently, although once again this week, he’s proven his worth.
After all, it only takes a moment to score a goal and he does so often pop up when it matters. There would have been a few nerves after Arsenal took care of their business against Fulham earlier in the week, but that win against Everton sets us in great stead as we sprint towards the finish line.
Given our ruthless and business-like league form, as Virgil said post-match, the narrative around just how special this season has been for Liverpool FC simply must change.
