Branthwaite injury overshadows the first ever Merseyside derby hosted at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton are awaiting the results of urgent medical assessments on Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury after the defender was stretchered off during a heart-breaking 1-2 defeat to Liverpool.
Branthwaite was unable to finish the match, leaving the stadium in considerable distress after a late collision. The injury occurred in the 87th minute when the young centre-back was knocked off balance while contesting for the ball with Cody Gakpo, falling awkwardly and immediately clutching the back of his leg.
David Moyes did not hide his apprehension during his post-match press conference, admitting that the outlook for his star defender is currently troubling.
“Jarrad was probably the best player on the pitch,” Moyes said to Everton TV. “I thought he played so well. I’m worried it could be serious, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
The loss of such a pivotal figure is a devastating blow, especially given the defender’s masterclass in neutralising the Liverpool attack for the majority of the afternoon.
Van Dijk provides final blow in record-breaking encounter
The match itself was decided in the most dramatic fashion possible when Virgil van Dijk rose above James Tarkowski to head home a winner in the 100th minute of play.
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It was a cruel conclusion for an Everton side that had arguably been the superior team for large periods, having seen an early Iliman Ndiaye goal disallowed for offside before Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for the visitors.
The Toffees showed immense resilience to level through Beto early in the second half, and they appeared set to claim a historic point at their new home until Dominik Szoboszlai’s late corner found the Liverpool captain.
The victory provides a massive boost for Arne Slot’s side, moving them seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea and firmly into the driving seat for Champions League qualification.
The result leaves Everton in tenth place, having missed the opportunity to leapfrog several rivals in the top half of the table.
“The players have been told that I thought they’d done a great job today in the main,” Moyes said.
“There were periods in the game where Liverpool had a bit of control. But there were long periods in the game when we had control as well. We had big opportunities, especially in the first 20 minutes or so. I didn’t think we offered Liverpool too many chances in the whole game, to be honest.
“It didn’t feel as if we’d given up too many opportunities, so the players have done a good job, but had no rewards out of today.”
