Liverpool edged Everton 2-1 in a dramatic Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Virgil van Dijk heading a stoppage-time winner. The late goal decided the first derby at Everton’s new home and tightened Liverpool’s hold on fifth place, which currently stands as the final qualifying position for next season’s Champions League.

Head coach Arne Slot stressed that the victory meant more than league maths. Slot highlighted how the players handled a demanding schedule and pressure moments, describing the performance as a sign of strong character. Slot viewed the way Liverpool handled the closing stages as a reflection of the squad’s mentality and togetherness.

Across the last fortnight, Liverpool played five matches in 15 days, using mostly the same starting group. Slot praised how that core coped with fatigue and intensity while still pushing late in the derby. Slot said the display offered “a big, big, big compliment to the mentality of this team” in such a demanding run.

Liverpool also had to adapt to a disrupted line-up against Everton. Slot’s side started without a recognised right-back and then lost goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to injury. Third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman finished the game. Despite those problems, Liverpool continued to chase a winner and finally broke Everton’s resistance deep into added time.

Late drama has hurt Liverpool several times this season, with goals conceded in stoppage time. This time, the pattern reversed, which Slot welcomed. Slot said: “It’s been a while since we conceded in stoppage time. So, at this moment of time, when I see the board going up for extra time, that’s not my first thought.”

Slot explained that the team’s energy in the closing minutes eased any fears about another late setback. Slot said: “And when I looked at my players, it was definitely not my first thought, because I think in that spell, we were getting closer and closer to scoring a goal. That’s an unbelievable compliment towards these players because we’ve played five games in 15 days, with mainly the same players. To show what they showed is a big, big, big compliment to the mentality of this team.”

The result tightened Liverpool’s position in fifth place, which currently secures Champions League qualification for next season. Slot, however, admitted Liverpool’s league campaign still falls short of internal aims. Slot said the team must accept responsibility after dropping many points in games that followed European fixtures earlier in the schedule.

For Slot, the build-up to the derby focused heavily on what it means to play for Liverpool instead of league positions. Slot said: “I think in the lead-up to this game, it was not as much about the league table, it’s also about representing Liverpool. It’s a privilege to represent this club and, today, they showed what it means to the players to represent this club.”

Slot also underlined the backing from the travelling support at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Slot said: “And the fans were, as they’ve been throughout the whole season, a big, big, big support for us. To beat them then in the first game in their new stadium after the week we had, is an enormous compliment to everybody involved in Liverpool FC.” The derby win therefore reinforced both Liverpool’s league position and the bond between team and supporters.