Dominic Calvert-Lewin gives perfect answer to shut down title question after Everton beat Liverpool

Dominic Calvert-Lewin emphatically shut down a question about the Premier League title race and instead insisted the focus should be on Everton after they beat Liverpool.

Liverpool’s chances of winning the title this season took a big blow on Wednesday night as Everton defeated them 2-0 at Goodison Park. Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both found the back of the net to secure a vital three points for Sean Dyche’s side.

The victory moved the Blues eight points clear of the drop zone, while Jurgen Klopp’s side are three points behind leaders Arsenal, with Manchester City also having the chance to leapfrog them should they beat Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday night.

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Prior to Wednesday’s night victory, the last time the Blues managed to beat their rivals at Goodison was back in 2010. Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta were both on the scoresheet as David Moyes’ side claimed a 2-0 victory.

But Calvert-Lewin was quick to turn his attention to his own side when asked about the fact that the Blues could have helped Arteta’s Arsenal in their title bid.

Asked about Arteta and Gunners, Calvert-Lewin replied: “He’s not [here] anymore, is he?

“We won tonight. Calvert-Lewin was the goalscorer and Jarrad Branthwaite, so we will look to kick on from that and put them records to bed."

Before he added on the win and atmosphere: “It’s extra special, it’s a local derby, and I have been here long enough to know what it means to the fans - and what it means to me.

“It’s a great result given the circumstances, where we are in the league. We needed a massive three points and everything came together tonight.

“It was electric [the atmosphere]. I felt it. It’s not been like that for a while - it was extra special. It’s a great experience and a great memory for everyone. It’s something that we will look to kick on from."

He then continued: "I thought we stuck to the game-plan and we executed it - we stuck together. The defensive unity built the foundation.

"We built from there [Jarrad Branthwaite's goal] as a collective and fans in the stadium - a fantastic night of football. If you can win your duels, it stands you in good stead, and second balls in the middle of the pitch.

"We allowed them to have possession, but we didn't fear they were going to hurt us. That was the biggest thing - hard work and endeavour. Football is a funny old game.

"I went a fair few without scoring, but I have scored in the last few. We have to keep believing and try your best to stay positive."

Everton have now won their last three games at Goodison and welcome Brentford this weekend. And Calvert-Lewin has called on his side to keep their momentum going against the Bees.

"The reflection on the league is not true, but we have accepted our reality,” he said.

"Big three points, the one on Saturday [against Nottingham Forest] was massive and tonight it puts us in a far better position.

"We have to build on that and we have to try to put in a performance at the weekend."