Liverpool passed their Merseyside derby challenge to keep pace with Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
Needing a win to stay within a point of Man City who had beaten Watford a day earlier, Liverpool managed to break down Everton in the second half courtesy of Andy Robertson and Divock Origi.
Both teams failed to create many clear-cut chances in the first half as Everton set out to frustrate Liverpool’s fearsome attack with a defensive setup.
The nerves were palpable for both sides as just before the break both sets of players clashed after Liverpool failed to put the ball out after Richarlison went down injured.
The pattern continued until the halftime whistle blew with the scores tied at nil-nil.
Liverpool finally broke the deadlock after the hour mark to ease everyone’s nerves at Anfield.
Andy Robertson headed home a Mohamed Salah floated cross to give the home side the lead.
With five minutes remaining, substitute Origi doubled the lead for the hosts to put the result beyond any doubt which keeps them within a point of Pep Guardiola’s side in the title race.
With just five games remaining in the league, City top the charts with 80 points followed by Liverpool on 79.
Everton, meanwhile, could be staring at an unprecedented relegation scenario as they now are at 18th with 29 points, two behind Burnley but with a game in hand.