Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in a pulsating 2-0 home victory over Liverpool on Wednesday to hurt The Reds’ chances of a second league title in four years.

The result of the Merseyside derby could prove to be the death of Liverpool’s withering Premier League title hopes, preventing Jurgen Klopp’s boys from climbing level with Arsenal at the top of the league table.

The Reds are three points behind the Gunners (77) with four games to play. Holders, Manchester City remain in the driver’s seat on 73 points but with two games in hand, while Everton’s victory has them breathing easier, eight points above the relegation zone in 16th.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk described the loss as very disappointing.

“Obviously, there are still games after tonight, but if we play like we did tonight, we have no chance to win the title,” he said after the match.

“It’s a tough one and, obviously. We have to do much better against a side that is playing against relegation.”

Liverpool kept Everton keeper Jordan Pickford busy in the dying minutes as he leaped to bat Harvey Elliott’s shot over the crossbar and then dived to save a shot from Reds talisman Mohamed Salah while Everton manager Sean Dyche looked at his watch in frustration, desperately wanting the final whistle to blow.