Liverpool Champions League Place Brightened As They Win Merseyside Derby

Liverpool’s aim to secure a Champions League berth next season got a big boost following their 3-1 Merseyside derby win against Everton at Anfield in the Premier League early kick-off on Saturday.

Goals from Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi sealed the important win for Liverpool. Matthew Pennington scored Everton’s goal.

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was an unused substitute for Everton.

Liverpool are now third in the league table on 30 points, same points as second-placed Tottenham Hotspur who are ahead on superior goals.

The win means Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last 13 league encounters with Everton.

While for Everton, they have not beaten Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League since September 1999.

Mane got Liverpool off to the best start as he gave the Reds the lead in the eight minutes off Roberto Firmino’s pass, bursting through the Everton defence before shooting low past Joel Robles.

In the 29th minute Pennington made it 1-1 in his first Premier League game of the season for Everton as he smashed the ball home from a corner kick.

Just two minutes later Liverpool were back in front thanks to Coutinho who finished off a superb solo effort.

Liverpool were dealt a blow in the 57th minute as Mane went off injured and was replaced by Origi.

Origi proved a worthy replacement as he scored in the 60th minute to make it 3-1 to Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Victor Moses, an ever present in the Chelsea line-up, will miss Saturday’s home EPL clash against Crystal Palace due to injury.

Moses withdrew from Nigeria’s friendly against Senegal last week due to the injury but he was expected to be fit for the league leaders on Saturday.