Liverpool restored their 12-point advantage at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in a controversial Merseyside derby at Anfield.Diogo Jota’s fine individual goal just before the hour mark proved decisive, giving the Reds their 100th win against their local rivals.The victory keeps Arne Slot’s side firmly on course for the Premier League title after recent disappointments in cup competitions.James Tarkowski was at the centre of controversy early in the match when he escaped with only a yellow card for what many considered a dangerous challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.Diogo Jota’s brilliant solo goal separated the two teams on Wednesday nightReutersThe incident occurred in the 11th minute when the Everton defender caught the Liverpool midfielder high on the ankle with his studs.Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson called it a “straight red all day” whilst the Premier League described the tackle as “reckless”.Liverpool struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Mohamed Salah’s header straight at Jordan Pickford their best effort.Everton, meanwhile, posed a greater threat on the counter-attack with Beto proving a handful for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.The visitors had the ball in the net through Beto, but it was ruled out for offside.The striker then hit the post in a one-on-one with Caoimhín Kelleher after capitalising on a rare error by Van Dijk.JUST IN: Luke Littler beats Phil Taylor in first ‘match-up’ – though not as you might thinkLiverpool started the second half with renewed intent and aggression, with Ryan Gravenberch beginning to exert more influence in midfield.The breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Jota retrieved Luis Diaz’s backheel and jinked his way past Idrissa Gueye and Tarkowski.The Portuguese forward then kept his cool to fire past Pickford for his first league goal since mid-January.There was controversy in the build-up as Diaz had been offside until Tarkowski cut out a pass aimed towards the Colombian.READ MORE:Emma Raducanu withdraws from tournament days after impressive Miami OpenJames Tarkowski was fortunate to escape a red card against LiverpoolReutersThe victory means Liverpool now need just 13 points from their remaining eight games to secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.It was a welcome return to winning ways for Slot’s side after back-to-back defeats in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.The win also ended Everton manager David Moyes’ nine-match unbeaten league run since taking over in January.Moyes’ personal record at Anfield now extends to 22 visits without a win.LATEST SPORT NEWS:David Moyes’ shocking Anfield record continues as Arne Slot closes in on a debut campaign league titleReutersThe match ended with further controversy when referee Samuel Barrott found himself in a difficult situation late in the game.He blew for a foul inside Liverpool’s half as substitute Darwin Nunez chased the ball and collided with Pickford in the penalty area.Nunez was subsequently booked for unsporting behaviour after rolling back onto the pitch to receive treatment.Despite Liverpool’s frustrations towards the officials threatening to boil over, they held firm to secure a vital three points.