Gary Neville was impressed with what one Everton player did to Virgil van Dijk during the Toffees’ historic 2-0 victory over Liverpool.
The result means the Blues are now eight points clear of the bottom three on 33 points.
The hosts dominated what was a pulsating first half and took the lead through Jarrad Branthwaite. Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled Everton’s lead from a corner to seal a famous win on a night where Liverpool’s title hopes took a severe dent.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are now three points adrift of Arsenal and one point ahead of Manchester City; however, Pep Guardiola’s side hold two games in hand.
Gary Neville spotted £20m Everton star do something to Virgil van Dijk tonight
Calvert-Lewin’s 58th-minute goal appeared relatively straightforward. However, the 27-year-old’s free header was a well-crafted and well-executed set-piece.
Speaking on Sky Sports co-commentary, Neville was impressed with what he saw Ben Godfrey do to Liverpool’s captain in the penalty area.
“Godfrey just blocks Van Dijk and stops the big Liverpool centre-back who is positioned in the right place. Just watch him there, a little nudge,” he explained.
“And Alexander-Arnold gets isolated at the back post with Calvert-Lewin. What a header! Said it in the first half – head it down. And this time, he goes, and Alisson can’t get there. But Tarkowski and Godfrey do a job on Van Dijk, and Everton are doing a job on Liverpool.”
It was a clever play from the £20millionsigning to put the Dutchman off.
Everton now on the cusp of Premier League safety after Liverpool win
With Everton now eight points clear of Luton Town, Dyche will fancy his side’s chances of maintaining their Premier League status. It would take something pretty miraculous from Rob Edwards’ side to overtake the Toffees now.
That’s three wins in four matches for Everton and back-to-back wins after the 6-0 humiliation against Chelsea. The West London loss is now a distant memory.
With four games remaining, a positive end to the season could completely change the mood around Goodison Park heading into the summer. This group of players have been teetering on the edge of producing something good for far too long; we are finally seeing their potential.