Liverpool Edge Everton in Derby Clash to Maintain Perfect Premier League Start
Liverpool continued their flawless beginning to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield in the 247th Merseyside derby. The champions have now won their opening five matches, but their latest triumph came with moments of tension against determined local rivals.
Derby intensity defines the first half
Anfield, as ever on derby day, was a cauldron of noise. Liverpool struck first when Ryan Gravenberch timed his run perfectly and clipped a precise finish beyond Jordan Pickford. The Dutch midfielder then turned provider, threading an incisive ball through to Hugo Ekitike, who calmly slotted home to double the advantage before half-time.
At that stage, it looked like Liverpool might cruise to another statement win. Their energy levels dipped after the second goal, however, allowing Everton to regroup. David Moyes’ side began to find more territory, and Idrissa Gueye’s thunderous strike from the edge of the area halved the deficit, reigniting belief among the travelling support.
Liverpool hold firm despite Everton pressure
The second half unfolded as a battle of attrition. Everton pressed with urgency, throwing men forward in search of an equaliser. Substitute Tyler Dibling added freshness on the flanks, while Jack Grealish probed creatively. Yet, despite a series of long throws and set-pieces, the Blues rarely carved out clear openings.
Liverpool, meanwhile, looked content to sit deep, defending with resilience through Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Alisson Becker remained alert when called upon, particularly late on, while Mohamed Salah’s counter-attacking threat ensured Everton could not overcommit.
By full-time, the underlying numbers told the story: Everton’s expected goals (xG) of 0.6 highlighted their lack of incision, while Liverpool’s 0.94 demonstrated a sharp decline in attacking output after the break. But statistics matter little in a derby of this magnitude — it is results that resonate.
Everton’s struggle in derby history continues
For Everton, defeat was familiar. The Toffees have now managed just two wins in their last 30 Premier League meetings with Liverpool. Moyes’ men entered the match in reasonable form, unbeaten in four, and boasting one of the division’s strongest defensive records. Yet their derby struggles endure, and the psychological barrier seems harder to shift with every passing fixture.
The Blues did at least take encouragement from their competitive second-half display, suggesting they will pose a more sustained threat against Wolves in the EFL Cup. Gueye’s strike was a rare highlight, and the experience of Grealish continues to offer hope of a more consistent attacking presence.
Champions set sights on Southampton
For Liverpool, the focus quickly shifts to Tuesday night’s league meeting with Southampton. With five wins from five, their momentum is building in both domestic and European competition. Arne Slot has rotated intelligently in recent weeks, and the performances of Gravenberch and Ekitike underline the depth at his disposal.
Another derby win — their 26th since 1992 when leading after scoring first — reinforces the aura of dominance at Anfield. The fans left satisfied once again, knowing that the champions remain firmly on course in their title defence.
