Liverpool Survives Heart-Stopping Merseyside Derby Drama to Claim Crucial 2-1 Victory
Liverpool withstood a spirited second-half comeback attempt from Everton to secure a 2-1 triumph in the Merseyside derby, further strengthening their position at the top of the Premier League standings.
The Reds dominated their cross-town adversaries from the opening whistle at Anfield, establishing a commanding two-goal cushion within the first thirty minutes. Ryan Gravenberch broke the deadlock with an exquisite chipped finish before switching to creator mode as Hugo Ekitiké found the net for his third Premier League strike.
The Toffees mounted an admirable response following the interval and narrowed the deficit through Idrissa Gueye, but Liverpool managed to preserve their slender lead until the closing whistle to continue their flawless campaign start.
Below are three key observations from Saturday's local rivalry clash.
No Late Drama Needed... Just
Liverpool have required strikes in the 83rd minute or later to claim victory in all five competitive fixtures this season, but such theatrics weren't necessary in the Merseyside derby. This time around, their two opening-half strikes proved sufficient to seal the win, though they again complicated matters for themselves after the interval.
The Merseysiders have relinquished two-goal leads on three different occasions this campaign and they flirted with another meltdown against Everton. Following their first-half dominance and some scintillating attacking play, anxiety set in after the break and Arne Slot's squad found themselves clinging on during the final moments.
Concerns will persist regarding Liverpool's focus and defensive structure following Saturday's triumph, but a sixth consecutive victory shouldn't be undervalued. They've already established daylight at the Premier League summit while hoping for dropped points in Arsenal's encounter with Manchester City on Sunday, demonstrating the resilient mentality required to defend their crown.
It's been an anxiety-inducing campaign opener for Liverpool, but at least they avoided requiring any dramatic late interventions against Everton to preserve their unblemished record.
Gravenberch Greatness
Gravenberch's remarkable evolution into a holding midfielder proved vital to Liverpool's Premier League championship last season, and the Dutch star is demonstrating it wasn't a one-off. He's enjoyed a blistering start to this campaign in Arne Slot's midfield partnership, delivering a delightful finish in the derby that matched his recent showings.
Liverpool's number 38 excelled in the midweek triumph over Atlético Madrid with a dynamic performance and even provided an assist for Mohamed Salah's goal at Anfield. The Egyptian reciprocated on Saturday, delivering Gravenberch a brilliant pass that was skillfully converted by the defensive midfielder.
The Netherlands star was once more pivotal as Liverpool extended their advantage, claiming another assist as his penetrating pass was converted by Ekitiké. Gravenberch's defensive displays have been characteristically resolute this season, but his additional attacking contributions have been embraced by Slot.
The 23-year-old recorded only four assists last campaign, yet has already accumulated four goal involvements in six appearances this term. The equilibrium he provides in Liverpool's midfield is invaluable.
Ekitike Delivers Isak Warning
All attention was focused on Alexander Isak midweek as the record Premier League acquisition made his Liverpool bow. There were promising indicators during his sixty-minute appearance against Atléti, particularly given he missed the entire pre-season due to his self-imposed departure from Newcastle United.
Quite naturally, the assumption persists that Isak will become Liverpool's first-choice striker this season once he achieves peak fitness. However, those expectations significantly undervalue Ekitiké, who extended his impressive introduction to English football with a well-executed goal in his maiden Merseyside derby.
The French forward, who now boasts four Liverpool strikes including his Community Shield effort, produced an outstanding display against the Toffees. He retained possession effectively, displayed some clever touches with the ball and completed four successful dribbles, while also registering an impressive 11 defensive actions in just over an hour on the field.
Ekitiké won't relinquish his starting position without resistance.