Liverpool Stars Shine in Thrilling 2-1 Derby Triumph Over Everton to Keep Perfect Streak Alive
Liverpool extended their flawless Premier League campaign with a 2-1 triumph over a determined Everton team in Saturday's Merseyside derby clash.
The 247th chapter of this historic rivalry unfolded predictably, with Liverpool controlling the ball while Everton retreated deep into their defensive zone. The match outcome quickly aligned with pre-game expectations when Ryan Gravenberch skillfully opened the scoring. The Dutch midfielder's delicate chip following a precise Mohamed Salah through-ball sparked thunderous celebrations from the Anfield faithful.
Liverpool continued their relentless pressure throughout the first thirty minutes and were duly rewarded for their aggressive approach as they extended their lead in spectacular fashion. Hugo Ekitiké, selected to start over Alexander Isak, found the net past Jordan Pickford following a sharp attacking sequence, with Gravenberch once more playing a crucial role with a superb pass.
Dreams of just Everton's second Anfield triumph this century appeared virtually extinguished at the interval, but the visiting fans found renewed hope shortly after the restart. Idrissa Gueye unleashed a powerful strike into Alisson's top corner to narrow the gap and create anxiety throughout Anfield.
Everton detected potential for another Liverpool defensive collapse and gained momentum with each passing moment. Jack Grealish proved particularly troublesome for Liverpool's defense as he caused problems along the flank, though the Toffees failed to convert their promising positions into genuine scoring chances.
Liverpool appeared increasingly nervous as time expired but managed to hold off their rivals in the final moments, securing victory on derby day for their sixth consecutive win across all competitions.
Liverpool Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
*Ratings provided by FotMob*
Player | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Alisson | 6.6 |
RB: Conor Bradley | 6.8 |
CB: Ibrahima Konaté | 7.3 |
CB: Virgil van Dijk | 7.3 |
LB: Milos Kerkez | 7.5 |
DM: Ryan Gravenberch | 8.8 |
DM: Alexis Mac Allister | 6.6 |
RW: Mohamed Salah | 7.4 |
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai | 7.5 |
LW: Cody Gakpo | 6.9 |
ST: Hugo Ekitiké | 8.0 |
SUB: Curtis Jones (61' Mac Allister) | 6.9 |
SUB: Florian Wirtz (61' for Gakpo) | 5.8 |
SUB: Alexander Isak (67' for Ekitiké) | 6.4 |
Subs not used: Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK), Jeremie Frimpong, Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Rio Ngumoha.
Player of the match: Ryan Gravenberch
Everton (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Jake O'Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko; Joe Garner, Idrissa Gueye; Iliman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish; Beto.
Subs: Mark Travers (GK), Adam Aznou, Séamus Coleman, Nathan Patterson, Carlos Alcaraz, Tim Iroegbunam, Tyler Dibling, Dwight McNeil, Thierno Barry.