Liverpool 2-1 Everton FA CUP Match Report

Liverpool 2-1 Everton

[ Premier League 2017-18 Match ]

35′pen 1 – 0 James Milner
      67′ 1 – 1 Gylfi Sigurdsson
  84′ 2 – 1 Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk scores a match-winning goal on his debut after a £75m transfer as Liverpool beat Everton in the third round of the FA Cup.

On a feisty night under the Anfield lights, the world's most expensive defender proved he can be effective at both ends of the pitch by nodding in an 84th-minute corner to make it 2-1.

The Netherlands international became the first player to score a winner at Anfield in an FA Cup tie against Everton, at the fifth time of asking.

Gylfi Sigurdsson's 67th-minute goal had earlier cancelled out James Milner's first-half penalty in a blood-and-thunder contest which threatened to be tainted by a first-half flare-up between Mason Holgate, who conceded the spot kick, and Roberto Firmino.

The Toffees defender shoved his opponent into the front row of the Main Stand, provoking an angry reaction from the Brazilian, a melee and the two protagonists exchanging angry words which left Holgate apoplectic.

However, referee Bobby Madley, despite being in the thick of it, chose to take no action against either player.

It may have all been a misunderstanding but it provided extra motivation for the visitors, with a markedly improved performance after the interval as even Liverpool's new £75 million signing could not help them keep a clean sheet.

However, he repaid them in fine style to spark wild celebrations at his new home.

The atmosphere seemed to crackle at kick off and the early stages suggested this was an old-fashioned derby, with tackles flying in -- mostly from the visitors -- and Wayne Rooney booked after just seven minutes.

Aside from a Milner volley flying across goal and wide there was very little in way of actual goal threat until Adam Lallana turned Holgate and the young defender stuck out an arm to impede the Liverpool midfielder.

In the same area where Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin won a controversial penalty in last month's 1-1 draw after Dejan Lovren laid a hand on him, referee Madley had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Milner fired straight down the middle.

Holgate's head was scrambled and five minutes later, after losing possession, he shoved Firmino into the front row of the Main Stand.

The Brazil international charged back at the defender and angry words were exchanged between the two.