Van Dijk scores winner on debut
LIVERPOOL:VIRGIL van Dijk scored a dramatic late winner on his debut as Liverpool clinched a 2-1 victory over Everton in a heated Merseyside derby FA Cup tie at Anfield.
Liverpool had led 1-0 at the break after James Milner converted from the penalty spot but Everton looked to have secured a replay when Gylfi Sigurdsson equalised midway through the second half.
But Van Dijk, who became the world’s most expensive defender when he joined the Reds from Southampton, headed home six minutes from time in the 230th meeting between the sides.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp handed a debut to record £75 million signing Van Dijk as he selected arguably his strongest available starting line-up, in contrast to the 1-1 draw in the Premier League played out by the sides in December.
Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho was again ruled out with a thigh injury as speculation continues to mount over his future amid interest from Barcelona, while top-scorer Mohamed Salah was missing with a groin problem.
Everton, who confirmed the sale of midfielder Ross Barkley to Chelsea just before the match, were also at full strength.
There was no love lost between the supporters – Everton fans turning their backs during “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, while the Kop taunted the away end that they had not won anything since 1995.
If the atmosphere in the stands crackled, on the pitch, it was equally feisty. Wayne Rooney scythed down Joe Gomez early on and was duly shown a yellow card.
AGUERO KEEPS CITY ON TRACK IN FA CUP
MANCHESTER: Manchester City kept alive their chances of winning four trophies this season, coming back from a goal down to beat Burnley 4-1 in the FA Cup third round on Saturday with two goals from Sergio Aguero.
City, who are also in the last-16 of the Champions League and semi-finals of the English League Cup, fielded a strong side but struggled initially.
LINGARD, LUKAKU HAND UNITED LATE WIN
MANCHESTER: Jesse Lingard scored his fourth goal in as many games and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a stoppage time effort as Manchester United reached the FA Cup fourth round with a 2-0 home win over Championship side Derby County on Friday.
Lingard produced an exquisite finish in the 83rd minute as Lukaku sealed it at the death.