Lovren: Derby win keeps us in title race

The two Merseyside clubs appeared to be heading for a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park until Sadio Mane popped up with a stoppage time winner at the end of the game.

After the game, Lovren spoke of the importance of the victory, as it keeps the Reds on the tails of pacesetters Chelsea.

"There are a lot of games in front of us and it will change many times, but games like this you need to win if you want to stay in the race for the title," the defender said.

"We are in second so we can say yes (we are title contenders).

"It is about the team's defensive qualities. We have been working very hard together and just now we are in good form and we need to keep going like that.

"We missed something in the first half, but we had a good quality talk from the manager at half-time and he was asking us to play more direct football.

"If you want to win you need to be more offensive and ask for the ball. In the second half we showed our real face and deserved it".

Lovren also went on to praise the impact of Daniel Sturridge, who came on as a second half substitute after coming back from injury.

"It was unlucky for him he didn't score because he has been working hard to come back," added Lovren.

"In these moments you need to be calm and I think we showed our quality and especially the changes, Daniel Sturridge gave us that 'thing'".