Liverpool extend perfect start with derby win over Everton

Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.

The win makes it five from five for Arne Slot’s defending champions, who continue to set the pace at the top of the table.

The home side wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead inside 10 minutes. Mohamed Salah threaded a pass through to Ryan Gravenberch, whose lofted finish over Jordan Pickford gave Liverpool early control.

Gravenberch then turned provider before the half-hour mark. His through ball found Hugo Ekitike, who kept his composure to slot past Pickford and double the advantage for Slot’s side.

Despite the presence of new signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak on the bench, Liverpool showed their squad depth by relying on other attackers to deliver in the first half. Both summer arrivals, worth a combined £241m, were introduced only in the second period.

Everton responded after the interval with greater urgency. Their persistence was rewarded in the 58th minute when Jack Grealish crossed to Iliman Ndiaye, who laid the ball off for Idrissa Gueye. The midfielder struck a fierce rising shot beyond Alisson to pull one back.

Liverpool looked less comfortable as the game wore on, with Everton applying pressure in search of an equaliser. Yet, as so often at Anfield, the champions held firm to secure the points.

Slot’s side may not have been at their free-flowing best, but they once again showed the resilience and balance that underpinned last season’s title win. With Gravenberch and Ekitike leading the line, the team maintained their winning rhythm even without their big-money additions starting.

Gravenberch’s form in particular continues to stand out. The midfielder has combined goalscoring with creativity, adding another decisive contribution in this derby clash. His link-up with Ekitike, who netted his second league goal, offers Slot a potent option in attack.

Ekitike, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt, has already made a strong case for a regular starting role through the middle. Slot has suggested he could be used out wide, but the striker’s finishing instincts are proving too valuable to ignore.

For Everton, the result extended David Moyes’ long wait for a win at Anfield, now spanning 23 visits. Yet there were positives in the second-half display, with Grealish and Ndiaye again providing creativity and drive.

However, the lack of a reliable central striker remains an issue. Beto started the game but was withdrawn at half-time after limited involvement, replaced by summer signing Thierno Barry. The young forward found it difficult against Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool now turn to Carabao Cup action against Southampton on Tuesday before a league trip to Crystal Palace. Everton face Wolves in the cup on the same night, then return to the Premier League against West Ham United. Both clubs will look to build on lessons from another fiery Merseyside derby.

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