The Blues’ striker put in an incredible performance tonight in the derby win

It could be the last Merseyside Derby to be played under lights at Goodison Park, and Everton Football Club put in a performance for the ages. The Toffees had not beaten the Reds at their home ground since 2010, but turned on the effort and style to pretty much secure their Premier League survival while also destroying any hopes the visitors had of maintaining their own title challenge.

Goals from defensive-superstar-in-the-making Jarrad Branthwaite and hobbled striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin settled the game in favour of the hosts as the fans rocked the old rafters with joy and some sense of disbelief.

Enough cannot be said about the Blues #9 who was not even expected to make the starting lineup after being taken off as a precautionary measure on Sunday and barely trained since then. To add to his woes, he played with a strapped-up knee and was recovering from the after-effects of a stomach bug to put in a yeoman’s effort leading the line.

His towering header just before the hour mark put away a Liverpool side that continued to attack relentlessly but were then foiled by the tireless defence and Jordan Pickford a wall in goal.

Speaking after the game, the striker was buzzing –

“This is what I have worked for [being Everton’s No.9], it’s where I wanted to be. I see it as a privilege, pressure is a privilege and it’s my responsibility to carry that. It’s nice when you work hard and you get your reward with a goal.

“It’s extra special, it’s a local derby and I have been here long enough to know what it means to the fans – and what it means to me. It’s a great result given the circumstances, where we are in the league. We needed a massive three points and everything came together tonight.

“It was electric [the atmosphere]. I felt it. It’s not been like that for a while – it was extra special. It’s a great experience and a great memory for everyone. It’s something that we will look to kick on from.”

Next up for the Blues is another home game on Saturday against Brentford who sit two points ahead of the Toffees. Another win over the weekend would make it three on the trot and virtually guarantee they are out of any relegation troubles.