Anfield was alive with tension and excitement as Liverpool and Everton clashed in the first Merseyside Derby of the season. Despite a persistent drizzle and a somewhat subdued atmosphere initially, the match exploded into a thrilling encounter that saw Liverpool secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory, extending their unbeaten streak to five games.
The match highlighted the fierce internal competition within Liverpool's forward line. Hugo Ekitike, the match-winner, and Alexander Isak, the club's record signing, are locked in a battle for the starting spot. This internal rivalry, however, seems to be a positive catalyst, pushing both players to perform at their best. Ekitike's winning goal showcased his talent and determination, further solidifying his position as a crucial member of the squad. Isak, although not directly contributing with a goal, still made a significant impact, highlighting the depth of talent available to manager Slot.
Liverpool's dominance in midfield was another key factor in their victory. Ryan Gravenberch orchestrated the game brilliantly, scoring a goal and providing an assist. The midfield trio of Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister controlled the tempo and dictated the flow of the game. However, Everton's tactical shift to focus on the flanks exposed a vulnerability in Liverpool's usually impenetrable central unit, a point of concern for the team to address in future matches.
Manager Slot's tactical flexibility was also evident. Substitutions like swapping Florian Wirtz for Cody Gakpo reflected his willingness to adjust the team's strategy based on the unfolding match. This adaptability, coupled with the wealth of talent at his disposal, suggests a dynamic and unpredictable Liverpool team this season. The manager's decision to use this diverse squad suggests a clear strategy to tailor his starting XI to best suit the upcoming fixture.
Finally, Conor Bradley's performance deserves special mention. Tasked with marking Everton's star player, Jack Grealish, Bradley delivered a masterclass in defensive work, neutralizing a player considered one of the Premier League's most talented and dangerous. Despite limited playing time due to strong competition, Bradley demonstrated why he remains a valuable asset, proving his worth against one of the league’s most potent players.
While Liverpool are off to an impressive start, securing maximum points so far, they need to address the slight inconsistency that has marked their performances. While this was a victory, there is still room for improvement, and the team should strive for consistency throughout the remainder of the season. The relationship between the Kopites' energy and the players' performance needs improvement, to ensure a unified, more confident atmosphere at Anfield.
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Originally published at: https://www.thisisanfield.com/2025/09/liverpool-2-1-everton-5-talking-points-as-ekitike-and-isak-civil-war-wins/
