Wednesday evening's Merseyside derby proved to be a devastating blow for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side, as their dreams of a 20th league title slipped further out of reach. The game at Goodison Park showcased a lackluster performance from the Reds, who were outplayed and outscored by a hungry Everton team.

Liverpool's struggles started early on, as they conceded a dubious early penalty that was subsequently ruled out by VAR. However, Everton capitalized on their sloppy play and took the lead with a goal that epitomized Liverpool's defensive shortcomings this season. Jarrad Branthwaite's scrappy effort found the back of the net, leaving the Liverpool players bewildered and frustrated.

The woes continued for the Reds in the second half, as Everton doubled their lead through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin header. Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, Liverpool failed to break down their determined opponents, highlighting their recent struggles in front of goal.

Liverpool's famed front three of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Mohamed Salah were unable to find the back of the net, squandering several clear-cut opportunities. Their poor finishing and lack of composure have plagued Liverpool in recent weeks, and this match was no exception. Nunez and Salah, in particular, have seen their goal-scoring form evaporate when their team needed it most.

Meanwhile, Everton showcased their combative edge and set-piece prowess, scoring both goals from dead-ball situations. Sean Dyche's team dominated in duels, winning an astounding 75 percent of them, and their aerial superiority troubled Liverpool's defense throughout the match.

With this defeat, Liverpool's title hopes are all but extinguished. The team's recent form, with only one win in their last four league games, along with exits from both the FA Cup and Europa League, has left them with an uphill battle. Their bid for a 20th league title depended on flawless performances in their final games and Manchester City and Arsenal slip-ups, a scenario that now appears highly unlikely.

Jurgen Klopp, who had never lost a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before, expressed his disappointment and apologized to the club's fans for the subpar performance. He acknowledged that the team failed to dictate the game and conceded two goals from set-pieces, which proved costly.

The season's climax has turned into a nightmare for Liverpool, who had initially exceeded expectations with their title challenge. However, injuries and a decline in performance have led to their downfall. As Klopp's farewell approaches, it seems that Liverpool's hopes of silverware will likely rest solely on the Carabao Cup.

Amidst the disappointment, Klopp emphasized the need for a turnaround, hoping for slip-ups from Manchester City and Arsenal while acknowledging that his team must do better to secure a Champions League spot. With time running out, Liverpool will need a drastic improvement in form to salvage their season.