Dominic Calvert-Lewin labelled Everton’s 2-0 Merseyside derby victory as an “extra special” night as the forward grabbed his third goal from his past four Premier League appearances. 

A tight offside decsion led to VAR overturning a decision to award Everton a penalty early in the first half when Everton's No.9 was brought down by Alisson, the Blues did get their deserved breakthrough following a rampant start, though, when Jarrad Branthwaite fired home from close range just before the half-hour mark. 

Calvert-Lewin added a second 13 minutes into the second half when he rose highest to head home a superb Dwight McNeil corner, helping send Everton on their way to a memorable victory and first at home against their neighbours since 2010. 

“It’s extra special, it’s a local derby and I have been here long enough to know what it means to the fans - and what it means to me,” told a delighted Calvert-Lewin post-match. “It’s a great result given the circumstances, where we are in the league. We needed a massive three points and everything came together tonight.”

On the phenomenal noise made by Evertonians throughout the contest, Calvert-Lewin added: “It was electric [the atmosphere]. I felt it. It’s not been like that for a while - it was extra special. It’s a great experience and a great memory for everyone. It’s something that we will look to kick on from."

While Everton did an excellent job of stifling Liverpool and restricting them to very few big chances, Jordan Pickford was called upon to make two huge saves before half-time, first denying Darwin Nunez in a one-against-one and then keeping out Luis Diaz two minutes later with a top stop with his feet. 

Although the shot-stopper is delighted with the win, he stated the Blues can’t take their foot off the gas for the remainder of the campaign. 

“We can’t ease off, we have to keep pushing and keep working hard - get ready for Saturday,” said Pickford. “It’s another big game. You have to enjoy these nights but you have to recover as well because they come around thick and fast. 

“I am delighted, it’s pushed us further up the table and now we keep building. This was a great win for the fans and the Club.”