Dominik Szoboszlai prefers last-gasp derby winners to comfortable 3-0 victories

By Carl Markham, Press Association

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai admitted winning the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the 10th minute of added time felt better than if they had beaten Everton easily.

Mohamed Salah’s first-half goal had given them the lead but Arne Slot’s side never looked comfortable and Beto’s equaliser just after half-time looked like earning a share of the spoils.

With 11 minutes added on after lengthy injuries to Reds goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was carried off to hand Freddie Woodman his Premier League debut for the club, and Everton striker Beto, the visitors won it through Virgil van Dijk’s header.

“I’d rather win it like this than 3-0 or something, you know,” said Szoboszlai.

“This is more enjoyable to watch I think for the fans for both sides, actually. At the end, maybe they (Everton) were the unlucky ones but we are happy to take the three points.

“It felt amazing. To win a derby like this in the last second, we couldn’t ask for more.

“We were happy for each other to get the three points but also for the fans, because we know what it means for them, and also it means a lot for us to win a derby.”

Liverpool’s win opened up a seven-point gap to sixth-placed Chelsea, who they still have to play at home, with five matches remaining.

It makes the prospect of playing Champions League football next season all the more likely ahead of what could be another significant summer of spending, with the departures Salah and Andy Robertson already confirmed.

“A win always changes the mood but we have to stay on the floor and keep working hard every day,” Szoboszlai added.

“We have to keep fighting for the Champions League spots and it is going to be hard games ahead of us.

“It is always hard when you play against the teams that are close to you – Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace. You have to always be ready and to fight for them.”

The Hungary captain remains relaxed about negotiations over a new contract.

“There has been no real progression, so I cannot say anything new about my contract situation. We have a lot of games to go and I am focusing on that,” he said.

“Of course I see myself here in the long term but, as I say, it is not really in my hands any more.

“I love being here, as I said many times. I’m completely relaxed.

“We have five games to go, then I am going to rest – a big one – after my international break. Then we will see.”