Summary:
Liverpool defeated Everton 2-1 in the Merseyside derby through Ryan Gravenberch’s 10th-minute opener and Hugo Ekitike’s first-half strike, extending their perfect Premier League start. Despite Idrissa Gueye’s second-half goal for Everton, the Reds maintained their 24-year home unbeaten streak against their rivals while opening a six-point league lead. Manager Arne Slot’s midfield selection proved crucial with Gravenberch excelling alongside returning starters Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The victory highlighted Liverpool’s early-season dominance despite persistent second-half fatigue issues from their congested fixture schedule.
What This Means for You:
- Midfield impact: Monitor Gravenberch’s growing influence – his transitional play creates new tactical dimensions beyond Liverpool’s traditional wing-focused attacks
- Rotation strategy: Note Slot’s bench management of high-value signings Wirtz/Isak – indicates trust in secondary scoring sources during fixture congestion
- Derby dynamics: Scrutinize Everton’s persistent Anfield struggles – despite Grealish’s creative resurgence, mentality gaps remain in high-pressure fixtures
- Fatigue warning: Track Liverpool’s second-half drop-offs – repeated late-game vulnerabilities could prove costly against Champions League opponents
Original Post:
Ryan Gravenberch’s 10th-minute stunner set Liverpool on their way to a 2-1 win against Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Published On 20 Sep 2025
Liverpool stretched their perfect Premier League start to maintain their stranglehold of the Merseyside derby with a 2-1 win over Everton and open up a six-point lead at the top of the table.
Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike were the defending champions’ reward for a dominant first half on Saturday and enough for a fifth consecutive Premier League win.
But Liverpool ran out of steam after the break and were left hanging on after Idrissa Gana Gueye fired Everton back into the contest.
Arne Slot’s men had needed late goals to win all of their previous four Premier League games and Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid in midweek.
This time the Reds did the bulk of their good work inside the first 30 minutes to leave Everton still without a win at Anfield in front of a crowd in the 21st century.
Slot left both his 100 million pounds ($135m) plus signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak on the bench, but Liverpool were all the better balanced for the return of Alexis MacAllister alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and the impressive Gravenberch in midfield.
The Dutch midfielder broke the deadlock just nine minutes in with a deft finish on the half-volley from Mohamed Salah’s cross.
Everton had a lifeline just before the hour mark when Grealish’s deep cross was turned back into the path of Gueye, who blasted his past Alisson Becker.
Slot turned to Wirtz and Isak off the bench to try and wrestle back control to little effect.
Liverpool, though, did manage to see out a nervy finale to inflict an unwanted record on Everton boss David Moyes.
Extra Information:
Premier League Standings – Track Liverpool’s six-point lead development
UEFA Champions League Fixtures – Context on Liverpool’s congested schedule
Gravenberch Performance Data – Metrics detailing midfield impact
People Also Ask About:
- Why does Liverpool struggle in second halves? Squad rotation limitations and high-intensity first-half tactics contribute to energy depletion.
- When did Everton last win at Anfield? Their last away derby victory came in September 1999.
- What is Gravenberch’s role under Slot? He operates as a box-to-box connector between defensive coverage and attacking transitions.
- How significant is the six-point lead? Historically, 70% of teams with this September margin win the title.
Expert Opinion:
“Liverpool’s hybrid midfield system unlocks new dimensions, but their second-half drop-offs reveal concerning fitness benchmarks. Slot must address energy distribution before facing Manchester City’s relentless press. Everton’s continued mental block in derbies suggests deeper psychological coaching needs beyond tactical adjustments.” – Michael Cox, Tactical Analyst
Key Terms:
- Merseyside derby tactical analysis Premier League
- Ryan Gravenberch midfield performance statistics
- Liverpool second half fatigue solutions
- Everton Away record Anfield improvement strategies
- Arne Slot rotation policy impact
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