Liverpool beat Everton as title looms, Man City win without Haaland

Liverpool moved closer to the Premier League title with a 1-0 win in the Merseyside derby against Everton on Wednesday, while Manchester City beat Leicester 2-0 to bolster their bid to reach the Champions League.

With just eight games left, Liverpool sit 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who beat Fulham 2-1 on Tuesday.

Arne Slot's side had lost their previous two games in the League Cup final against Newcastle and the Champions League last 16 against Paris Saint-Germain. But they got back on track in their march towards a record-equalling 20th English title, and first since 2020, in Slot's maiden season in charge.

Having gone over two months without a goal, Diogo Jota was Liverpool's hero as he ended his drought in the 57th minute, slotting home from Luis Diaz's flick. It was an especially sweet win for Liverpool after their stormy 2-2 draw at Everton in February, which featured a last-gasp equaliser for David Moyes' team.

Moyes claimed Jota's winner was offside but Slot said: "According to the rules it was a goal so no-one can complain. It is a clear goal. "We are chasing down the best possible season we can have. As long as the players give everything like today then we are in a very good position."

At the Etihad Stadium, City coped just fine without Norway striker Erling Haaland, who will be sidelined for up to seven weeks after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday's FA Cup quarterfinal win at Bournemouth.

Pep Guardiola's men took just two minutes to go in front against second-bottom Leicester, who have lost seven successive league games.

Jeremy Doku and Savinho combined to carve open the Leicester defence before Jack Grealish slotted home from close range for his first league goal since December 2023.

City doubled their advantage in the 29th minute as Egypt forward Omar Marmoush lashed home after Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen made a hash of dealing with Ruben Dias' pass.

City are up to fourth place, one point ahead of fifth-placed Newcastle and two in front of sixth-placed Chelsea, who face Tottenham in their game in hand on Thursday.

"After the tough game in Bournemouth, to come here after just three days, it helped us to score early. We missed the third goal that's all. The rest was good," Guardiola said.

Elsewhere, Newcastle beat Brentford 2-1 to maintain the party mood after the prolonged celebrations of their first major trophy for 56 years. Aston Villa also remain in the hunt for a Champions League place after winning 3-0 at Brighton. Southampton wasted a chance to avoid becoming the worst team in Premier League history after a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at St Mary's.