Liverpool left it late to win the 227th Merseyside derby - delivering Ronald Koeman his first home league defeat and maintaining Jurgen Klopp's 100% derby record.
Everton were serenaded before the games as Liverpool fans reminded them of their 21 year trophy drought - but this win for Liverpool means the blues have just 1 league victory over Liverpool in the last 20 attempts.
The first half was dire, the second grew in quality and in terms of 'derby bite' but the reds got their victory in the middle of 8 minutes of added time - added on after a goalkeeping sub for Everton and a bad challenge by Ross Barkley on Jordan Henderson.
The result moves Liverpool back up to 2nd place in the table.
Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge both made returns for the reds - albeit named on the substitutes bench. Ragnar Klavan kept his place after Joel Matip failed to return from injury in time.
The Game
The first half was poor with little sign of a spark from either side. The blues arguably started the better but not a single shot on target was registered - chances going wide or in Everton's case - being blocked by Liverpool's defence.
The second half and there was more for the goalkeepers to do. And Stekelenburg in the Everton goal suffered a dead leg early in the half. He spent a period attempting to shake it off before being substituted for Joel Robles.
Robles reacted well to a powerful Firmino shot as Liverpool moved up through the gears as the half progressed.
Barkley, who had dodged an earlier yellow card, could have faced a severe punishment after a dangerous tackle on Henderson who fortunately avoided a serious ankle or leg break.
The two had a couple of heated discussions following this challenge.
Everton had used all their substitutes mid-way through the half but Klopp left his changes till later.
Emre Can and Sturridge coming on in the 80th minute.
And it was an inspired substitution - it was Sturridge's shot that rebounded off the post in the 94th minute - and Sadio Mane reacted quickest to poke the ball into the net.
A late late win for the mighty reds.
Merry Christmas!
Man of the Match: Gini Wijnaldum
