Van Dijk’s 100th-minute header wins Merseyside Derby as Liverpool boost Champions League chase at Hill Dickinson Stadium | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk has said his stoppage-time winner against Everton was a 'massive' moment in Liverpool's season.

Van Dijk scored in the 10th minute of added time as Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside Derby. The Reds claimed the points in the first-ever derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium as the Dutch defender rose highest to head home Dominik Szoboszlai's set piece.

Liverpool had started poorly at Everton and were fortunate not to fall behind. First, Giorgi Mamardashvili saved superbly from Beto, before the home side had an opener for a marginal offside.

However, Liverpool struck the opener almost immediately, against the run of play. Cody Gakpo's brilliant pass picked out Mohamed Salah, who levelled Steven Gerrard as the highest-scoring player inPremier League Merseyside derbies.

Everton regrouped after half-time and levelled early in the second period. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall broke free down the left and squared for Beto to slide in. The forward's collision with Mamardashvili saw the Liverpool keeper substituted with third-choice Freddie Woodman introduced.

Despite that setback, it was Liverpool who found the winner. Deep into a lengthy stoppage-time period, Van Dijk nodded in. The centre-back toldSky Sports that the win was a big moment as the Reds look to salvage their season with Champions League qualification.

"Today was massive in the situation that we are, in hunt for the Champions League spots. That is definitely not Liverpool-worthy, in my opinion, but it is the reality and it was important we got the win. I'm glad we did."

Liverpool's win came as the sides closest to them in the table all dropped points. Chelsea, and Brentford both failed to win, with Slot's side now seven points clear of both teams.

On the win being a big boost to Liverpool's top-five hopes, Van Dijk added: "100%. We've got five more games left against teams that are also fighting for the Champions League spots. Every game is a big one. Like I said, we are very disappointed as whole for the season that we're having because of the quality we have. It's below standards.

"But we have to keep fighting, keep going and make the best out of this poor season we're having. That's the reality, onto the next. Today was a good three points and next up is Crystal Palace at home, who we couldn't beat for many, many games before."