Liverpool fans have not had a huge amount to cheer about since the turn of the year, but victory over Everton on Monday night restored smiles to faces.

Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo scored either side of half-time as the Reds defeated their local rivals 2-0 to end a run without a Premier League win which stretched back to December 30. Attention turns to Saturday's clash at Newcastle, who have exceeded expectations this season and head into the weekend sitting fourth, firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.

Victory over the Magpies would lead to faint hope that Liverpool can recover to finish in the top four, but that will be no easy task against the league's toughest defence. Meanwhile, the midweek talking points centre around long-term transfer target Jude Bellingham and an alternative Premier League table.

Start your Friday with the latest Liverpool headlines right here.

Bellingham's message to Carragher

There was much entertainment in midweek as Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham jokingly scolded Anfield legend Jamie Carragher for attempting to orchestrate an on-air proposal.

On Valentine's Day, Carragher unsuccessfully tried to persuade one of his CBS Sports colleagues to ask his girlfriend to marry him live on air. Bellingham picked up on the incident and spoke to the reporter in question after Borussia Dortmund defeated Chelsea on Wednesday night.

The England midfielder then turned to the camera and told Carragher to "be better", as he is clearly of the belief that Valentine's Day is too cheesy an occasion to propose on. The exchange prompted much hilarity back in the studio before Carragher reiterated just how desperate he is for Liverpool to sign Bellingham.

Read the full story here.

Alternative league table

Liverpool have earned five more points thanks to goal decisions being overturned this season (
Image:
Getty Images)

Liverpool have been identified as the biggest beneficiaries of VAR decisions this season, despite the fact they are languishing in mid-table.

Mirror Football has exclusively revealed how the table would look if goal decisions had not been overturned throughout the campaign, and the Reds would have secured a whopping five points fewer than their tally of 32.

While some would point to the fact that the use of a VAR is doing its job to eliminate officiating mistakes, it is concerning that the Reds have had to rely on so many decisions being overturned.

Read the full story here.

Liverpool and Everton charged

Liverpool and Everton have been charged by the Football Association for failing to control their players during Monday's Merseyside derby.

There was a major altercation between numerous players from either side towards the end of the Reds' 2-0 victory. The incident was sparked by an exchange between Andy Robertson and Jordan Pickford.

The two players were booked and more serious sanctions could be on the way after the FA charged both clubs.

Read the full story here.