Arne Slot's side had lost their four previous away games in all competitions and, although a draw would hardly have been a bad result, there is no understating how big this win was for Liverpool.
It was fitting that two of the most senior players stepped up in a fixture that is always one of the biggest of the season.
Salah offered a reminder, not that it was ever needed, of his class. The Egyptian scored in his first Merseyside derby in 2017 and has now scored in his last.
Van Dijk's goal was the result of an Everton weakness identified by Liverpool set-piece analyst Lewis Mahoney that was targeted all game.
The sight of the players enjoying themselves with the travelling support was a positive sight for Liverpool, given the struggles they have endured their season.
From here on, Liverpool should secure Champions League football and there is no doubt that this win will live long in the memory.
