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London, United Kingdom | AFP | Liverpool stayed hot on the heels of Manchester City on Sunday after a bizarre late winner against Everton as Arsenal issued a powerful statement of intent on Sunday’s Premier League derby day.
Jurgen Klopp’s unbeaten side looked set to drop a precious two points in their dogged pursuit of City but they benefited from a bizarre error from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to win 1-0 and continue their Anfield hex over their city rivals.
Unai Emery’s Arsenal are now 19 matches unbeaten in all competitions after their thrilling 4-2 victory against Tottenham at the Emirates lifted them to fourth in the Premier League, above fierce rivals Spurs on goal difference.
Chelsea recovered from the disappointment of losing their first match of the Premier League season to Spurs last week to beat Fulham 2-0 to climb to third in the table.
Liverpool started the Merseyside derby determined to salvage some pride after their midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain left their Champions League hopes in the balance.
There were chances for both teams in an entertaining encounter but the match appeared to be heading for a goalless stalemate as the seconds ticked away.
? Pure derby day joy.
Unmissable #LIVEVE highlights and full game replay are now available on @LFCTV GO ?
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2018
But then out of nowhere, England’s Pickford made a terrible error, mishandling a high ball that appeared to be heading over his bar and spilling it into the path of substitute Divock Origi.
The Belgium forward had the simple task of heading into the empty net to spark scenes of ecstasy at Anfield, with Klopp racing onto the pitch to celebrate.
“I have to apologise because I didn’t want to be disrespectful but I couldn’t stop myself. It just happened,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“The game was with unbelievable intensity. Both teams had chances. Both goalkeepers had outstanding performances. In the end it was a very weird goal. I can’t imagine the disappointment of Everton. But we got it and we will take it. It is a brilliant night.”
– Arsenal guts –
Earlier, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty gave Arsenal an early lead in the north London derby before Eric Dier’s header and a Harry Kane spot-kick handed Tottenham the lead at half-time at the Emirates Stadium.
But Aubameyang’s superb long-range equaliser sparked a second half surge from the Gunners. Alexandre Lacazette came off the bench to put Arsenal ahead and Lucas Torreira sealed the points with his first goal for the club.
Up the Reds.? pic.twitter.com/jQClDSZmiq
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 2, 2018
Capping a miserable day for Jan Vertonghen, the Tottenham defender was sent off in the closing stages after earlier giving away Arsenal’s penalty.
“It is a very big match for our confidence. Now we have to continue our process,” Emery said. “It is a very big victory. We give this to our supporters because it’s a very special match against Tottenham.”
