Sadio Mane strikes late to sink Toffees

The Senegalese forward was on hand to turn the ball home from close range after substitute Daniel Sturridge's shot from the edge of the area had hit the post.

Liverpool dominated large chunks of the clash at Goodison Park, but opportunities were limited until the late show by Jurgen Klopp's side.

There was also some controversy as Ross Barkley lunged in on Jordan Henderson with his studs showing in the second half, but only picked up a yellow card.

The result means that Liverpool move back up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Chelsea. Everton, meanwhile, stay ninth.

It was a typical blood-and-thunder start to the Merseyside derby but, despite plenty of energy and attacking endeavour, chances were few and far between in the first half.

A good move from Liverpool saw Divock Origi flash an effort wide after 37 minutes, while Ramiro Funes Mori found himself unmarked at a corner just before the break, but he could only head wide.

The second half began at a similar pace to the first, with Liverpool dominating from the off, but still there was a lack of goalmouth action.

Liverpool did create one good chance after 50 minutes as James Milner's lofted pass found Roberto Firmino in the box, but he was denied by Maarten Stekelenburg before Mane and Nathaniel Clyne quickly saw their shots blocked.

That would be Stekelenburg's last real action of the game as he was forced off midway through the second half after a collision with team-mate Leighton Baines.

Barkley was then fortunate to escape a red card in the 67th minute for his challenge on Henderson, which left the Liverpool captain in a head on the floor.

The game became scrappier as it drew to its finale, with Liverpool working far harder to find a winner. And they nearly did just that after 80 minutes as Firmino's volley from James Milner's corner appeared to be destined for the net, but substitute goalkeeper Joel Robles did superbly to get down to his left and keep out the Brazilian.

But with eight minutes of injury time indicated, Liverpool found a winner when Mane reacted quicker than any Everton defender in the box to finish into an empty net after Sturridge had rattled the woodwork.

Liverpool then had a glorious opportunity to make it two, but Seamus Coleman managed to scurry back onto his line to deny Firmino, meaning Klopp's side secured a first 1-0 Premier League win of 2016.

Source: Sky Sports

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