Salah matches Gerrard derby record, Van Dijk goal lifts Liverpool

**TL;DR** Mohamed Salah tied Steven Gerrard’s Premier League Merseyside derby record with nine goals, and Virgil van Dijk’s injury‑time header gave Liverpool a 2‑1 win over Everton.

Mohamed Salah netted his ninth Merseyside derby goal, matching Steven Gerrard’s Premier League record, as Liverpool edged Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park. The 33‑year‑old winger, who has announced he will leave Anfield at season’s end, opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a calm finish following a Liverpool counter‑attack. Everton pressed early but could not break down a Liverpool defence that held firm until stoppage time.

## Context Salah’s goal came in what is likely his final Merseyside derby, adding a notable milestone to a season where he has rediscovered form after a slow start. Liverpool entered the match needing a victory to keep pressure on the top four and secure Champions League qualification. Everton, fighting to avoid relegation, entered the game with energy but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

## Key Facts - Salah’s ninth derby goal equals Steven Gerrard’s all‑time Premier League mark for the fixture. - Virgil van Dijk scored the winner in the 90+2 minute, heading home a corner to make it 2‑1. - After the match Salah told Sky Sports, 'It feels great. The most important thing was to help the team settle down and feel more confident.'

## What It Means The result lifts Liverpool to within striking distance of a Champions League spot, giving the squad a confidence boost ahead of a congested fixture list. For Salah, the goal marks a symbolic farewell to the rivalry, reinforcing his legacy at Anfield despite his impending departure. Everton remains in the relegation zone, needing points in upcoming matches to stay aloft. Watch Liverpool’s next five Premier League games to see if they can convert this momentum into a top‑four finish, and monitor Salah’s final appearances for any further goal contributions.