Liverpool 2-1 Everton: Gravenberch and Ekitike Seal Merseyside Derby Win

Liverpool claimed the first Merseyside derby of the season with a 2-1 win over Everton at Anfield, maintaining Arne Slot’s unbeaten start in this fixture. The result also ensured the Reds kept up their perfect record in the league, making it five wins from five.

Liverpool took control early and were rewarded with the opener in the 11th minute. Ryan Gravenberch met the ball on the rise, striking cleanly as it spun away from him and into the net. The midfielder remained at the centre of Liverpool’s best moments and turned provider shortly before the half-hour mark.

In the 29th minute, he slid a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Hugo Ekitike, who drove a low finish into the left corner to make it 2-0. Starting ahead of big summer signing Alexander Isak, who was named on the bench, Ekitike underlined that he will not give up his fight for a starting place.

Liverpool’s dominance carried them through much of the first half, but Everton responded in the final 15 minutes, pressing higher and creating a handful of chances, though none could beat Alisson. Jack Grealish was the main threat throughout, but Slot’s side held their two-goal advantage into the break.

Everton’s breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when Idrissa Gana Gueye scored his first goal since May 2024, blasting an unstoppable shot into the top corner after being teed up by Iliman Ndiaye. The momentum then swung towards Everton, with Liverpool who had already seen two-goal leads slip away four times this season looking vulnerable again as the visitors pressed.

Despite the pressure, Liverpool managed to see the game out. Everton pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but the hosts held firm and avoided any late setbacks.

For Slot, it was another important win that keeps his side perfect in the league and extends his unbeaten record in the derby. For David Moyes, it was yet another disappointment at Anfield his 27th attempt to win there ending in failure.