LIVERPOOL, England (BN24) – Liverpool continued their flawless start to the Premier League season by defeating Everton 2-1 in a rain-soaked Merseyside derby at Anfield, marking their fifth straight win as Arne Slot’s title defense gained more momentum.
First-half goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike ensured the Reds secured a vital three points. At the same time, Idrissa Gueye’s second-half strike for Everton proved only a consolation in an intense local encounter.
Slot’s side seized early control of the contest, with Gravenberch opening the scoring after just 10 minutes. The Dutch midfielder latched onto Mohamed Salah’s perfectly weighted pass, lifting a delicate finish over Jordan Pickford to give Liverpool the ideal start.
Gravenberch turned provider in the 28th minute, playing in Ekitike, who powered a low finish past Pickford to double the lead. The French striker, a £70 million summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, continues to make a compelling case for regular starts through the middle, even with British-record signing Alexander Isak waiting in the wings.
Despite the absence of both Isak and fellow marquee signing Florian Wirtz from the starting lineup, Liverpool showcased their squad depth and attacking versatility in the first half. Both came off the bench in the second period to help see out the result.
Everton responded positively after the break. Jack Grealish, influential throughout, delivered a curling cross to the far post in the 58th minute, where Iliman Ndiaye cleverly nodded the ball back across goal for Gueye to smash in a rising drive beyond Alisson.
David Moyes’ side pressed hard for an equaliser, forcing Liverpool into a more cautious shape as the match wore on. Everton’s improved second-half performance had the Anfield crowd urging the final whistle, particularly after just three minutes of stoppage time were added, a decision that visibly angered Moyes.
Moyes, still seeking his first win at Anfield in 23 visits, saw his team pay the price for a sluggish opening half despite signs of promise. Beto was withdrawn at the break after struggling to impact the game, replaced by £27 million signing Thierno Barry, whose inexperience showed against Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
While Everton showed more attacking threat in the second half, their lack of a reliable presence in the final third remains a critical issue. Grealish and Ndiaye were again bright in buildup, but the Toffees’ inability to turn pressure into goals is a concern Moyes must address before the January transfer window.
For Liverpool, this was not a performance defined by style, but one of substance. The reigning champions continue to grind out results, and their early-season form sends a clear warning to rivals that Slot’s men remain the team to beat.
