What Liverpool fans sang at full-time takes on special meaning as history made

But the manner of this dramatic, deserved and much-needed derby victory on their debut visit to Everton’s stadium will take some beating, no matter how many times they make the trip across the city.

And it was wholly appropriate that when Arne Slot’s side made their way to celebrate in front of the jubilant away end, it was Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk leading the salute.

If a win forged on hard work and a willingness of this developing new team to roll with yet another major injury setback, it ultimately came down to the decisive contribution of two of Liverpool’s most experienced professionals.

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For Salah, his neatly-taken opener moved him equal with Steven Gerrard's leading total of nine goals in the Premier League against their neighbours.

Van Dijk, meanwhile, encapsulated a stoic individual performance by popping up in the 10th minute of additional time to outmuscle James Tarkowski and head in the winner.

It was even later than famed other late derby strikes of recent lore from Sadio Mane and Divock Origi and, of course, Van Dijk himself with his FA Cup header on debut eight years ago.

Liverpool have now scored six winners against Everton in the 90th minute of later in the Premier League, the most one side has managed against a single opponent in the competition’s history.

Having rightly had their attitude and character questioned in recent weeks, this was the ideal time for Liverpool’s players to stand up and be counted, particularly when Giorgi Mamardashvili left on a stretcher after being caught by Beto for the equaliser to leave third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman between the sticks for a good 40 minutes.

The Reds could easily have crumbled. Instead, they dug in and looked the more likely to snatch the three points.

And with the teams behind them all failing to win over the weekend, Liverpool didn't pass up the opportunity to take a firm grip on fifth place and a Champions League qualification berth.

Was the performance perfect? Far from it. But this was more about the Reds showing they wanted it. And those fans in the away end who continued to chant long after the final whistle at a rapidly-empty Hill Dickinson were fully appreciative.

In a tortuous season of so much damaging late drama, this was one to celebrate. After all, only Liverpool have won a Merseyside derby at three different venues in the city.