Liverpool continued their dominant start to the Premier League season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton in a thrilling Merseyside derby. While the final score suggests a comfortable win, the match was far from straightforward. Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike put Liverpool ahead in the first half, showcasing the team's attacking prowess. However, Everton fought back valiantly after halftime, pulling one back through Idrissa Gueye's impressive finish following a strong performance by Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye.
Despite Everton's spirited comeback, Liverpool held on for their fifth consecutive Premier League victory, adding to their winning start in the Champions League. This flawless run has sent a clear message to their title rivals, raising serious questions about their ability to compete. The fact that Everton, along with Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid, managed to claw their way back into the game after a two-goal deficit will undoubtedly provide some comfort to Liverpool's rivals, but their position at the top of the table speaks volumes.
Gravenberch's performance was particularly noteworthy. His stunning goal, scored within 10 seconds of receiving the ball, highlighted his exceptional talent and composure. His contribution extended beyond scoring, as he played a key role in setting up Ekitike's goal, solidifying his status as an indispensable player in midfield. The Dutchman's improved goal-scoring form, with two goals already this season compared to his previous two campaigns, is a significant boost to the team's offensive capabilities.
Ekitike's impressive start to his Liverpool career also deserves mention. He has already scored three goals in five league games and looks like a significant upgrade on Darwin Nunez. With three goals in five matches, he is already closing in on Nunez’s goal tally from the previous season, making the question of his starting role alongside Alexander Isak a significant point of discussion for manager Arne Slot. The tactical challenge of integrating both players into the starting lineup without sacrificing Mohamed Salah's presence is an interesting test for the Liverpool manager.
Everton's manager, David Moyes, while acknowledging his team's poor first-half performance, highlighted their improved display in the second. The match also highlighted tactical decisions made by Slot; the midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Gravenberch were instrumental in controlling the first half, but Liverpool's intensity dropped in the second half, leading to Everton's goal. Despite the win, the inability to maintain control for the full 90 minutes presents a point for Slot to address as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks. The fixture list shows a packed schedule for Liverpool, underscoring the challenges faced by the team and their management team. The close game highlighted the potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by more formidable opponents in the weeks ahead.
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6637224/2025/09/20/liverpool-everton-result-analysis/
