Liverpool 2-1 Everton: 5 things we learned

Liverpool knocked Everton out of the FA Cup on Friday night, beating their Merseyside rivals 2-1 at Anfield.

One of two third-round encounters to start the weekend, this match was tightly contested. Both managers fielded considerably strong line-ups but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock, through captain James Milner's well-taken penalty.

A swift counter-attacking move saw Everton get an unlikely equaliser through Gylfi Sigurdsson after the interval. Although the finish brought the Toffees confidence, new Reds centre-back Virgil van Dijk would ultimately break their hearts with a headed finish late on in front of the Kop to seal the close affair.

Here are five talking points from the Anfield grudge match.

Van Dijk crowns his debut with winning goal

Liverpool v Everton - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round — Virgil van Dijk is the talk of the town following his Liverpool debut.

It was, without doubt, the headline-makers' dream.

Virgil van Dijk, with the score tied at 1-1 late on, rising highest to head home the winner and it played out like a dream come true.

Liverpool's new £75m man got off to a great start at his new home with the goal, repaying Jurgen Klopp's faith to field him for the first time in such a high-stakes occasion.

Not only was he the match-winner, he also put in a solid and composed display as part of the Reds' backline. Viewers would have been particularly impressed with the way in which he marshalled the line verbally, like the towering leader he is.

It also helps when the rest of your defensive counterparts put in a good shift respectively and they would have been disappointed not to cap the Dutchman's debut with a clean sheet.

Big Sam gives Everton some steel

His appointment may not have seen Everton's record in the Merseyside derby improve, however, it must be stressed that the former England manager has added some steel to this Toffees side.

Before the 1-1 Premier League draw and this latest FA Cup result, the Blues had lost three of their last four matches at Anfield by a scoreline of three or more goals. In fairness, Liverpool had outclassed them and were equally threatening in attack.

This is not quite the case nowadays, though. The last two derbies justify this, as Everton have solidified significantly during Allardyce's reign thus far and they can take some courage from the last-gasp defeat having given their rivals a good run for their money.

Holgate and Firmino set for retrospective trouble?

Two players from both sides in Everton defender Mason Holgate and Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino could possibly be charged by the English Football Association for a classic derby flash-point.

It all started when Holgate shoved Firmino into the main-stand crowd as the Brazilian shielded the ball from his opponent. Firmino - clearly incensed by the Everton youngster - was quick to get up and seek retaliation but referee Bobby Madley quickly intervened, with the aid of several teammates from both sides to separate the pair, diffusing the situation.

The offence from the Brazilian seems to be what he said to Holgate as the referee got in his way, with the forward reportedly set to face an investigation into the matter. Liverpool released a post-match statement affirming their willingness to co-operate with the powers that be, declining to comment further until the issue, if still present, is resolved.

Meanwhile Holgate left multiple supporters and experts questioning just why he wasn't punished for shoving his opponent into the crowd and could face a retrospective FA Charge for that as well as making physical contact with the referee during the flashpoint.

Adam Lallana is still rusty

In what was a bright Friday night for Liverpool, Adam Lallana was arguably one of their lesser performers, putting in a display that testified more to his post-injury rustiness than his true footballing capabilities.

The England international made his first home start of the campaign and a second successive start for Klopp's side, having returned from his long-term injury but struggled to make his mark on the game, failing to retain possession effectively and maintain a steady match pace.

Klopp's experience would have already helped him understand that he needs more time before returning to full match rhythm. Whether the supporters will be as patient is another story on its own as matches continue to come thick and fast for Liverpool.

Confidence is building at Liverpool

Victory in the derby, along with the big introduction of Van Dijk undoubtedly lifts Liverpool's confidence higher.

The Reds are now unbeaten in 17 games and will be glad to avoid a replay, as it gives them ample time to prepare for their next match: a titanic Premier League clash against leaders Manchester City.

Klopp and his men will certainly head into that difficult fixture full of confidence, having displayed an ability to win in both favourable and unfavourable circumstances over their past few fixtures. At present, it's all looking good for the Merseyside giants.