Liverpool snatch derby with bizarre late goal

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk turned away in disgust. The Kop fell silent in disappointment. Everton fans likely breathed a sigh of relief at the other end of Anfield.

A hard-fought Merseyside derby looked destined to finish goalless yesterday after van Dijk skied a speculative, mis-hit shot high in the air — and seemingly out of play — in the sixth minute of injury time.

Then came the most dramatic ending imaginable. The ball bounced on top of the crossbar not just once but twice, firstly off the fingertips of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Time seemed to stand still as the ball dropped to Liverpool striker Divock Origi to nod into the net from a metre out to secure a 1-0 win.

“For me, the situation was finished when the ball left [van Dijk’s] foot,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said, scratching his head.

Klopp had reacted to the goal by running on to the field and punching the air, before jumping into the arms of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

“I didn’t want to be disrespectful,” Klopp said, “but I couldn’t stop myself. It just happened.”

Arsenal moved above Tottenham, on goal difference, into fourth place thanks to a 4-2 win over their fierce North London rivals in a game that had it all: Penalties, a red card, clashes between players, and fans lighting flares in the stands.

The victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions to 19 matches, underscoring the excellent work done by manager Unai Emery in his first season at the club.

Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converted a penalty in the 10th minute to put Arsenal ahead.

A Tottenham supporter was reportedly arrested for throwing a banana skin on to the field after Aubameyang scored and celebrated in front of away fans.

Tottenham replied with two goals in four minutes — from Eric Dier and then Harry Kane from the spot — for a 2-1 halftime lead. Dier celebrated his equaliser by making a shush gesture in front of Arsenal fans and it prompted a scuffle between both sets of players, with substitutes also getting involved in the squabble.

Aubameyang equalised in the 56th minute with a beautiful curling shot before substitute Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Torreira sent the home fans into a frenzy with goals in the 74th and 77th minutes.

Chelsea beat Fulham 2-0 in the day’s first derby.