Cumbrian defender Jarrad Branthwaite was the toast of Goodison Park after firing Everton to a huge win over Liverpool.

Branthwaite scored the Toffees' first goal as they overcame their city rivals 2-0 in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old former Carlisle United star opened the scoring in the 27th minute.

That sent Sean Dyche's side on their way to a victory which was sealed by a second-half Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal.

The result was a major boost to Everton's aim to seal survival while it put a major dent in Liverpool's title hopes.

Branthwaite pounced midway through the half with Liverpool keeper Alisson unable to keep out his low finish.

News and Star: Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk can't stop Branthwaite's goalLiverpool's Virgil van Dijk can't stop Branthwaite's goal (Image: PA)

The goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check amid big celebrations at Goodison.

It was Everton's first strike against Liverpool since December 2021, and was Branthwaite's third goal of the season.

It helped Dyche's side move eight points above the bottom three with four games to go.

And the Wigton star's latest moment in the spotlight will only increase calls for him to be part of Gareth Southgate's thinking for Euro 2024 this summer. The Under-21 international was called up by Southgate to the full England squad for the first time last month but was not given an outing in friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

It also came on a day the Cumbrian was at the centre of more speculation linking him with Manchester United.

A report by Football Insider said the Red Devils were hoping to strike an early deal to make Branthwaite a key summer signing.

Carlisle, who sold Branthwaite to Everton in January 2020, would be in line for a significant sell-on windfall should the Cumbrians make a big-money move away from the Toffees.

As for Liverpool, their title hopes are now in peril with Jurgen Klopp's side three points behind leaders Arsenal, while third-placed Manchester City are a point behind the Reds with two games in hand.