Perhaps it was inevitable that immediately following Sunday’s riveting North London derby, won by Arsenal over Tottenham 4-2, the second huge Premier League rivalry match of the day would be a dud by comparison. So it went as historic foes Liverpool and Everton were still scoreless deep into second half stoppage time at Anfield before Reds substitute Divock Origi nodded home the winner following a bizarre sequence in the 96th minute:

However the goal arrived, it was a long time coming. But the action during the rest of the match was actually better than the score line would let on. The two teams combined for 25 shots between them, 16 for Liverpool. The execution left a lot to be desired, though; only seven of those attempts were on target, four for the Reds and three by the Toffees.

The host Reds had plenty of reasons to push the game and go forward and did. Jurgen Klopp’s side came into the match needing to win to keep pace with Prem leaders Manchester City, who were five points clear at the top. A victory would also give second-place ‘Pool some breathing room; the “dub” Arsenal earned against Spurs pulled the Gunners within three points, with third-place Chelsea just two behind in third. Thanks to Origi’s heroics, Klopp and Co. are now five points ahead of the Blues and six clear of Arsenal.

The loss was cruel for Everton, which stays in sixth despite the wrenching defeat. There’s never any extra motivation needed when visiting their hated neighbor, and the two best scoring chances during normal time came courtesy of the visitors in the 21st minute. Andre Gomes looked certain to score only to be denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson before defender Joe Gomez cleared the rebound before it could be knocked over the line:

Both Liverpool and Everton will be back on the grind in short order. The Reds travel to Burnley on Wednesday, while the Toffees host Newcastle.

Doug McIntyre covers soccer for Yahoo Sports. Follow him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre.

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