Van Dijk’s late header seals Liverpool comeback win over Everton

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Liverpool staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Everton 2-1 in a pulsating Premier League clash, with captain Virgil van Dijk netting a stoppage-time winner to settle the Merseyside derby.

The visitors took the lead in the first half through Mohamed Salah, who capitalised on a precise pass to fire into the bottom corner, giving Liverpool a deserved advantage heading into the break.

Everton responded strongly after the restart, drawing level in the 54th minute when Beto reacted quickly inside the box to slot home and ignite hopes among the home supporters.

The contest remained finely balanced, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the decisive breakthrough. Everton pushed forward in search of a winner, while Liverpool maintained pressure through sustained attacking play.

Drama unfolded deep into stoppage time when Liverpool earned a corner. Van Dijk rose highest inside the six-yard box to power a header past the goalkeeper, sealing a crucial victory for the visitors in the 90+10th minute.

The encounter was not without incident, as Everton’s James Garner received a late booking for a harsh tackle, while the match also saw injuries disrupt play, including a forced substitution for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.