Liverpool extended their flawless start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Everton in a tense Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday. Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike in the first half proved just enough, despite a second-half response from Idrissa Gueye that set up a nervy finish.
The defending champions were not at their fluent best, lacking rhythm and sharpness in attack, but Arne Slot’s side still found the moments of quality required to secure a fifth straight league win.
They had to endure a nervy final half-hour, having already let two-goal leads slip three times this season. Yet the hosts showed resilience to see the game out, denying David Moyes what would have been a rare Anfield victory — Everton have only won once there since 2000.
Liverpool made a bright start and were rewarded in the 10th minute. Gravenberch, arriving from midfield, timed his run perfectly to meet Mohamed Salah’s clipped pass before steering a precise volley beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into the far corner.
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The Dutch midfielder was at the heart of the second goal as well. In the 29th minute, he slipped a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Ekitike, who controlled smoothly and fired low into the net for his third Premier League goal since joining the club in July. In doing so, Gravenberch became the youngest player ever to score and assist in a Premier League Merseyside derby.
Everton had offered little in the first half, registering just one effort on target, but they returned with greater purpose after the interval. Their reward came in the 58th minute when Iliman Ndiaye cushioned Jack Grealish’s deep cross into the path of Gueye. The Senegal midfielder lashed a thunderous first-time strike into the top corner, becoming the oldest player to score in this derby since Gary McAllister in April 16, 2001.
Scenting an equaliser, Everton pressed higher up the pitch, but Liverpool’s defense held firm. Slot responded with changes, introducing Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones for Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister, before sending on record signing Alexander Isak for Ekitike midway through the second half.
Despite the adjustments, Liverpool never fully rediscovered their attacking fluency and had to endure enough pressure from the visitors. However, finally they were able to hold it and secured a crucial win to defend the league crown.
With 15 points from five matches, Liverpool sit clear at the top of the table, while Everton’s second defeat leaves them on seven points in seventh place. Arsenal, who have played a game fewer, trail the leaders with nine points.