Liverpool vs Everton Review
Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season by defeating Everton 2-1 in the Merseyside derby, marking only the third time in their history that the Reds have won their first five Premier League matches. The Reds started strongly at Anfield, taking the lead in the 12th minute when Mohamed Salah delivered a precise pass behind the defense for Ryan Gravenberch, who confidently lifted a beautiful shot over a desperate Jordan Pickford into the corner. Liverpool were relentless during the first half and might have been a bit unlucky not to have extended their lead shortly after.
Salah, who set up the opening goal, nearly scored himself soon after with a shot from the edge of the box that just went over the crossbar. Everton’s chances in the first half were scarce, but Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall missed a good opportunity following some skillful play from Jack Grealish. The influential Gravenberch played a key role again in Liverpool’s second goal, this time setting up Hugo Ekitike with a precise pass, allowing the Frenchman to slide the ball past the advancing Pickford.
Before halftime, Arne Slot’s team nearly caused their own undoing when a misplaced pass from Alisson was seized by Iliman Ndiaye. Ndiaye crossed to Beto, but the Everton forward could only direct his shot into the relieved Liverpool supporters. Despite holding a two-goal lead, Liverpool appeared uneasy after the break, frequently losing possession. Their careless play was eventually punished just before the hour mark when the visitors scored to reduce the deficit. The goal was well-earned, with Idrissa Gana Gueye striking powerfully into the far corner after a perfect setup from Ndiaye.
After that, momentum swung between both teams, and Everton owed some defensive heroics to Grealish, who blocked Konaté’s header on the line to keep them in the match as it entered the final stages. Everton kept testing their opponents in the last 10 minutes, but their inability to deliver a decisive finish cost them the chance to secure an unlikely equalizer. Despite some moments of nervousness, Liverpool remained mostly comfortable as they secured their 18th victory in the last 29 home meetings against Everton. The loss ends Everton’s four-game unbeaten streak and once again hands the bragging rights to the red side of Merseyside.
