Liverpool won the Merseyside Derby in the 94th minute after Sadio Mane scored a tap in.
You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. As much as the Premier League is famed for being dramatic and full of surprises, last night was just ridiculous.
You would have forgiven any Liverpool supporter for feeling frustrated as the fourth official raised his electronic board, signalling an extra eight minutes of time as a result of Martin Stekelenburg’s injury.
That frustration was released in a way more emotional than anything you could imagine as Sadio Mane tapped in a rebound from Daniel Sturridge’s trickled shot which struck the post. As much as I’d like to be a human and be empathetic towards the crushed Evertonians, there is no escaping the jubilation that comes with having your side score a late winner to stay in the title race.
The game was as rigid and inconsistent as any Merseyside Derby and you could make a strong case to say that the game didn’t deserve a winner. As much as Liverpool were on top and were trying to win the game, Everton’s defence was superb and was only undone by a reverse shot from Daniel Sturridge which slipped through the cracks which Mane was the quickest to react when it rebounded off the post.
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As much as the derby was tight and undeserved of a winner, there definitely should have been a red card. Ross Barkley’s late tackle on Jordan Henderson was downright appalling. To go into a challenge like that on a fellow pro, derby or not, is unacceptable. The Evertonian was only yellow carded but he should definitely have been sent for an early shower.
Liverpool are still six points behind Chelsea but it was massively important that they didn’t slip further behind and Mane’s very late winner ensured that Liverpool keep their foot in the door that Chelsea have done so well to edge close.