Andy Robertson’s header an hour into a frustrating battle with Everton saw Liverpool keep the pressure up on Manchester City.
For much of the game at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s team were frustrated by their city rivals, with Frank Lampard’s team disciplined and organised in equal measure.
Willing to slow the game down at every single opportunity, Everton went close to opening the scoring when Richarlison – who often invoked the ire of the home support – played in Abdoulaye Doucouré.
The midfielder, however, shot wide from a tight angle on the break and, aside from some breaks bound for dead ends led by Anthony Gordon, that was about as close as the visitors came to threatening to take control of the Merseyside derby.
To their credit, Everton defended well and the sheer number of mistakes Liverpool made in possession spoke to the tension in the ground. With Manchester City winning on Saturday, the nerves were palpable.
Klopp duly called to his cavalry. Luis Diaz and Divock Origi came on just before the hour mark, giving Liverpool so many points of attack, Everton were undone by a defender as they attempted to keep up.
A Mohamed Salah cross was headed in by Robertson from close range before Origi, a cult hero at Anfield already, added to his legend with another header from point-blank range.
Liverpool, despite some nerves, remain in the hunt for the quadruple.
