EPL GW 30: Liverpool 3 – 1 Everton

Liverpool enhanced their prospects of a top-four place by beating derby rivals Everton, whose own hopes of breaking into the battle for a Champions League qualification spot were severely damaged by the defeat.

Sadio Mane gave the hosts an early lead when he played a one-two with Roberto Firmino and finished off an angled run with a shot into the far corner.

A Philippe Coutinho shot was palmed up by Toffees keeper Joel Robles and headed off the line by Phil Jagielka before the visitors equalised.

Jagielka flicked on a corner at the near post and, after Ashley Williams got a touch, Matthew Pennington arrived to slot in his first Everton goal on his first appearance of the season.

However, the lead lasted just two minutes and 57 seconds before Coutinho beat two players and curled a shot into the top corner, and he then set up substitute Divock Origi – on for the injured Mane – to power in Liverpool’s third.

The result put the Reds seven points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United – who have three games in hand, including at home against West Brom later on Saturday – while Everton are seven points off the top four having played more matches than their rivals.

Prior to kick-off, there was a tribute to former Liverpool captain, coach and caretaker manager Ronnie Moran, who passed away 10 days ago aged 83, with a minute’s applause and a Bugsy mosiac, in reference to his nickname, on the Kop.

Source: BBC Sports