Liverpool made sure that the Merseyside derby was a closely contested victory. They took down Everton 2-1 at Anfield. Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike scored in the opening half. This put Liverpool ahead. Everton mounted a fightback, and after the start of the second half. Idrissa Gueye scored the one goal to close in on the difference. But Liverpool held on to keep their perfect league campaign intact.
A Strong Opening Statement from Liverpool
Liverpool were quick and alert from early on. Gravenberch scored around the ten minute mark, hitting the net after a Mohamed Salah layoff. Ekitike doubled the lead up before the half hour. He took it well into the box. The Reds looked home and dry for a moment.
Liverpool vs Everton : Counter Attack After the Break
The second half told a different story. Everton came out stronger and snatched a goal from Gueye. This was followed by a cross from Jack Grealish. The pass was from Iliman Ndiaye. They forced Liverpool to defend more and chase second balls. This made the game nervy. Despite Everton’s pressure, the Reds managed to stay composed down the stretch.
Slot praises Mindset over Energy
Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted his men lacked energy at the end of the match, but he praised their mentality. It was among the more challenging matches of recent days, he claimed, and there was grit from his team’s players when things were tough. He mentioned the intense schedule, games coming thick and fast, which tested the squad’s depth.
Author’s Insight
This derby win gives it a shape. Liverpool appear a cohesive unit under Slot, capable of defending rigidly and hurting you where it counts. But the second period was defensively vulnerable. If they’re going to remain unbeaten, then fitness needs to come up, sharper defending under challenges, and some more efficient finishing. Everton demonstrated promise, but there’s plenty of work remaining for good spells of football to translate into points.
