Liverpool fans witnessed a dramatic and nerve-wracking Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026, as the Reds not only clinched a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Everton but also faced a mounting injury crisis that could shape the remainder of their season. The match, which marked the first derby at Everton’s new home, had everything: early goals, VAR drama, key injuries, and a stoppage-time winner from Virgil van Dijk that left the traveling supporters in raptures and Evertonians stunned in silence.
The game’s narrative quickly shifted from fierce rivalry to concern when Liverpool’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was stretchered off following a heavy collision as Everton equalised through Beto’s close-range finish. The Georgian, who had already produced a fine save from Beto earlier in the contest, collided with both Ibrahima Konate and Beto as he desperately tried to keep out the Toffees’ leveller. As Mamardashvili received treatment, it was clear from his gestures that something was amiss with his knee and side, a worrying sign for a player who had established himself as Liverpool’s first-choice keeper in Alisson Becker’s absence.
"Giorgi went to hospital so we have to wait and see how long that's gonna take," head coach Arne Slot told journalists after the final whistle. Slot, who has had to juggle an ever-growing injury list, added, "With us maybe not all but usually and now usually also have three goalkeepers. So with us having two goalkeepers injured it's helpful that we have a third one. Actually, today I took two goalkeepers on the bench which we usually never do. But maybe I should do this from now on every single time because what happens to us this season in terms of injury, you cannot even predict it, but a big moment for Freddie who did really well difficult moment to come in."
Freddie Woodman, Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper, was thrust into the limelight for his Premier League debut in a high-pressure situation. The 29-year-old, who joined the Reds on a free transfer from Preston North End last summer, had previously only featured in a Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace in October. Woodman, the godson of England manager Gareth Southgate, had to steady his nerves as he entered with the score tied at 1-1 and the stakes sky-high. Remarkably, he kept a clean sheet for the remainder of the match, helping Liverpool weather Everton’s late assaults and setting the stage for van Dijk’s heroics.
The Reds had earlier taken the lead through Mohamed Salah, who, in what could be his final Merseyside derby, stroked home a first-time finish after Cody Gakpo intercepted a loose pass and slid the ball into the Egyptian’s path. Salah’s goal not only silenced the home crowd but also saw him equal Steven Gerrard’s record as the joint-leading scorer in the Premier League era of this historic fixture, with nine derby goals. The opener came shortly after Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye thought he had put the hosts ahead, only for VAR to chalk off the effort due to an offside in the build-up by Jake O’Brien.
Everton, spurred on by their passionate home support, responded in the second half. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, a summer signing from Chelsea and Leicester, outfoxed Konate and delivered a perfect through ball for Beto, who made no mistake to level the scores. It was in the aftermath of this goal that the match’s injury woes truly began. Not only did Mamardashvili require a stretcher, but Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite also left the field in tears after a tough shoulder-to-shoulder with Gakpo, adding to the sense of chaos and unpredictability that marked the derby.
The injuries led to an extended period of stoppage time—eleven minutes in all—setting the stage for late drama. With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a pinpoint corner in the 100th minute, and van Dijk soared above the Everton defence to power home a header. The goal, clocked at 99 minutes and 53 seconds, was the third-latest winning strike in Premier League history since 2006-07, trailing only Chelsea’s 100:41 winner against Manchester United in 2024 and Newcastle’s 101:48 goal versus Leeds earlier this year. The Dutch defender’s celebration was as emphatic as his finish, knowing the significance of the moment for Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions.
Statistically, Liverpool were not at their fluent best, registering 14 shots and an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.45, with much of their threat coming from Salah’s opener. Everton managed 10 shots and an xG of 0.8, but the Toffees’ inability to capitalise on their periods of dominance ultimately cost them. As the final whistle blew, Liverpool found themselves fifth in the Premier League table, three points off Manchester United and fourth-placed Aston Villa, but now with a crucial eight-point buffer over those outside the top five.
Pat Nevin, providing analysis on BBC Radio 5 Live, summed up the sense of opportunity for Everton after Mamardashvili’s departure: "Giorgi Mamardashvili really did feel there was something wrong with his knee there. Freddie Woodman is third choice but he is coming on. What an opportunity for Everton now. If you're in blue, get that ball to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as often as you can because he is the danger man." Yet, despite the odds, Woodman held firm, and Liverpool’s resilience shone through.
The injury crisis, however, looms large over Anfield. Alisson Becker, the first-choice goalkeeper, remains sidelined with a return pencilled in for the trip to Manchester United on May 3. Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, and Conor Bradley are all ruled out for the season, with Ekitike also set to miss the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The severity of Mamardashvili’s injury remains uncertain, but Slot expressed hope that it would not be a long-term absence. "It looked to me, and it is also what they told me, an open wound. It will not be a long term injury, let's see if he will be available next week," Slot said, offering a glimmer of optimism for Liverpool supporters.
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s next fixture is a home clash against Crystal Palace on April 25, 2026, with kickoff at 3pm. With both Alisson and Mamardashvili doubts for the match, Woodman is likely to retain his place between the sticks. The Reds’ ability to navigate this injury storm could well define their push for Champions League qualification and their hopes in the final stretch of the campaign.
For now, Liverpool’s dramatic derby win will be remembered for van Dijk’s late heroics and the resilience shown in the face of adversity. But with key players sidelined and uncertainty lingering over their goalkeeping situation, the coming weeks promise to test Arne Slot’s squad depth and resolve like never before.