Curtis Jones reveals funny reason he missed Virgil van Dijk’s Merseyside Derby winner

Curtis Jones has admitted he did not see Liverpool’s winning goal in the Merseyside derby, despite being on the pitch at the time.

Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage time header saw the visitors snatch all three points against Everton.

AFP

As the defender rose highest from a corner, Jones was involved in a back-and-forth with the home fans, the Reds midfielder has revealed.

Liverpool had been pegged back by Everton during the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium with Mohamed Salah’s first-half effort being cancelled out by Beto for the home side.

Arne Slot’s men then lost goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili through injury following the goal.

However, Van Dijk was on hand to grab the winner in the 10th minute of stoppage time.

Jones reacts to derby win

Following the match, Jones was asked how he felt after seeing his teammate score the winner.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he explained: “I didn’t even see him, actually. I was having a little bit of back-and-forth with fans, actually.

“Then I’ve heard a big roar and stuff like that. I’ve seen Virgil then run, so then I’ve obviously seen the goal, so that’s why I just laughed at the fans. It was great, it was a great day and I’m happy.”

As for whether the exchange with the supporter was polite, Jones added: “Yes, well, from my side.

“I’m just a lad who wants to go and play, and I play with a smile on my face.

Getty

Getty

“I expect to come here and get stick, it’s part of it. I just smile. I understand that it’s part of the game, I’ve had it all my life.

“There’s been times that I’ve been told that I’m not good enough, I should leave and all things like that. I just smile and a cherry on the cake that we go and win, especially at the end there.”

Having graduated from the Liverpool academy, Jones has now made 223 appearances for his boyhood club.

Of those, seven have been against Everton in the Merseyside derby, a fixture Jones has not lost since April 2024.

Liverpool’s latest win has strengthened their grip on a Champions League place for next season.

The Reds remain fifth in the Premier League, but are now seven points clear of Chelsea with five matches remaining.

Getty

Meanwhile, Everton are only a point further back despite sitting in tenth.

Liverpool host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday ahead of matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford.