Diogo Jota’s winner against Everton, in the 246th Merseyside derby, was one of those moments. Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 win was not just a tick in the points column – it was a statement.

Speaking after the win, Diogo Jota didn’t mince his words when asked what will separate champions from challengers in the run-in. “Obviously we are arriving at the stage of the season where it ...

Instead, Diogo Jota assumed the role of derby decider, ending his drought and Liverpool’s mini-slump with a crisp strike; with it, too, went Everton’s unbeaten run, curtailed at nine.