Liverpool’s Premier League title bid suffered a devastating blow as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday. The loss at Goodison Park marks the first time Liverpool has tasted defeat at the stadium in 14 years.
Jarrad Branthwaite gave Everton the lead in the 27th minute, poking the ball past Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker after the Reds failed to clear a free-kick. Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin delivered the knockout blow in the 58th minute with a towering header, leaving Liverpool facing an uphill battle to catch league leaders Arsenal.
Second-placed Liverpool now trail Arsenal by three points with both sides having four games remaining. Manchester City, sitting in third place, can secure the league title for the fourth consecutive season if they emerge victorious in their last six matches.
At Old Trafford, Manchester United breathed a collective sigh of relief as they rallied to a 4-2 victory against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United. Jayden Bogle gave the Blades an early lead, but Harry Maguire equalized before halftime. Ben Brereton Diaz restored Sheffield United’s advantage, only for Bruno Fernandes to emerge as United’s savior.
Fernandes converted a penalty to level the score before unleashing a stunning long-range strike to put United ahead with just nine minutes remaining. Rasmus Hojlund added a fourth for United to seal their first league victory in five games.
Erik ten Hag’s team remains in sixth place, but the win provides a glimmer of hope as they aim to salvage their dismal season by securing a high enough finish to qualify for the Europa League. They will also have their sights set on winning the FA Cup as a means of redemption.
Referee Stuart Attwell found himself embroiled in controversy once again, disallowing a Wolves goal in Bournemouth’s 1-0 win at Molineux. Attwell had already come under fire for his role in denying Nottingham Forest three penalties in their 2-0 defeat to Everton on Sunday.
Despite the setback, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp remains hopeful, stating, “Arsenal and Manchester City must have a very bad moment.” He acknowledged the need for improvement, apologizing to the fans for the team’s performance.
In other Premier League action, Jean-Philippe Mateta scored for a fifth consecutive home match to fire Crystal Palace to a 2-0 win over Newcastle.
