Liverpool youngsters win derby with Curtis Jones’ stunner

Curtis Jones’ stunning strike saw a much-changed young Liverpool side defeat Everton 1-0 at Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup.

The teenage academy graduate and local lad, who had also scored the winning penalty when the Reds had knocked down Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup earlier in the season, curled a beauty into the far top corner past Jordan Pickford to seal the hosts’ place in the fourth round.

Jones was only one of the nine changes the Premier League leaders made by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with new signing Takumi Minamino also making his debut, while his counterpart Carlo Ancelotti opted for a largely full-strength Everton line-up.

Others to start included youngsters Nathaniel Phillips, Jordan Williams, Pedro Chirivella, Harvey Elliott and there was another change after nine minutes when James Milner limped off injured and was replaced by Yasser Larouci.

“I just go out there and try and play my game,” Jones told BBC Sport postmatch. “It’s been frustrating at times being on the bench and then getting a taste on the pitch and then being back on the bench.

“I’ve been basically begging to come on but hopefully I’ve topped it off with a good goal. I can’t sum up my emotions. For me it’s huge just being around this team every day and learning from this group of players. There are world-class players all over this team but I think I went out and showed what I could do on the pitch.”

“The ball came to me and I only had one thing in mind — to shoot,” Jones added. “Luckily enough it led to the matchwinner and a great goal.

“It’s massive for me and the rest of the young boys. At times it is frustrating thinking you might get a chance but then having to sit on the bench and watch. We proved that we’re learning every day and trying to push for a place in the team.”

Although it was the Reds who looked more impressive in the first half with Adam Lallana who was wearing the captain’s armband following Milner’s exit looking particularly impressive, however, it was Everton who created the most with Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Mason Holgate guilty of wasting the best chances.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also returned from injury in the second half replacing Minamino on the 70th minute soon after Jones’ decisive moment helping the hosts defeat rivals Everton who are now without a win against Liverpool since October, 2010.