LIVERPOOL’S English Premier League title hopes were dealt a huge blow tonight when they lost 2-0 to neighbours Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Also tonight, Manchester United came from behind twice to beat bottom side Sheffield United 4-2 at Old Trafford, with captain Bruno Fernandes involved in three of the hosts’ goals.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in either half as Everton claimed their first Merseyside derby victory at Goodison Park since 2010.
Centre-back Branthwaite scrambled home the opening goal in the 27th minute and Everton survived a barrage of Liverpool attacks for the rest of the half, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making several big saves.
Calvert-Lewin doubled Everton’s lead 13 minutes into the second half, heading home powerfully from Dwight McNeil’s corner kick.
Everton defended brilliantly to preserve their lead and secure the three points, which took them eight points clear of the relegation spots.
The defeat means Liverpool missed the opportunity to go level on points with leaders Arsenal, staying in second place three points behind.
At Old Trafford, Sheffield United took a shock lead in the 27th minute when Jayden Bogle pounced on Andre Onana’s poor pass to score.
United equalised three minutes before half-time when Harry Maguire headed home, but the visitors were ahead again five minutes into the second half through
Ben Brereton Diaz.
Fernandes then took it personally, scoring two goals and assisting the other as Manchester United staged a comeback.
The Portugal midfielder pulled the Red Devils level from the penalty spot just past the hour mark and then unleashed a brilliant left-footed effort to give them the lead for the first time in the game in the 81st minute.
Fernandes then set up Rasmus Hojlund to finish off the stubborn visitors from close range five minutes from time.
The result lifted Manchester United back to sixth spot, while Sheffield United stay bottom, 10 points from safety.
Also tonight, Crystal Palace eased past Newcastle United 2-0 at Selhurst Park, with Jean-Philippe Mateta netting both goals, while Bournemouth beat Wolves 1-0 at Molineux.
