Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai admitted securing victory in the Merseyside derby during the 10th minute of added time felt more satisfying than an easy win against rivals Everton.
The dramatic late goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium saw Arne Slot’s side clinch a crucial three points after a pulsating encounter.
Mohamed Salah’s first-half goal had given the Reds the lead, but Beto’s equaliser just after the break threatened to share the spoils. Following lengthy injury delays to Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was stretchered off, and Everton striker Beto, Virgil van Dijk headed home the decisive goal in the 11 minutes of added time.
Reflecting on the thrilling conclusion, Szoboszlai stated: "I’d rather win it like this than 3-0 or something, you know. 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."
He added, "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."
The hard-fought victory significantly bolsters Liverpool’s Champions League aspirations, opening a seven-point gap over sixth-placed Chelsea with five matches remaining.
This makes elite European competition increasingly likely, ahead of a summer expected to see significant spending and the confirmed departures of Salah and Andy Robertson. Despite the euphoria, the Hungary captain urged caution.
"A win always changes the mood but we have to stay on the floor and keep working hard every day," Szoboszlai commented. "We have to keep fighting for the Champions League spots and it is going to be hard games ahead of us."
Szoboszlai also addressed his contract situation, maintaining a relaxed stance.
"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 explained.
"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."
