Liverpool made it five wins from five as their flawless start to their defence of the Premier League crown continued with victory in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side established early control when Ryan Gravenberch’s clever lofted finish from Mohamed Salah’s pass put Liverpool ahead after 10 minutes.
Gravenberch turned provider just before the half-hour mark when he played on Hugo Ekitike to beat Everton keeper Jordan Pickford with a low shot.
Liverpool illustrated the strength of their squad by leaving Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, two summer signings worth a combined total of £241m, on the bench until the second half.
Everton improved as the game went on, pulling a goal back after 58 minutes when Jack Grealish’s cross found Iliman Ndiaye at the far post and he set up Idrissa Gueye for a powerful rising drive that left Liverpool keeper Alisson helpless.
Liverpool continued their relentless winning form with this Merseyside derby win – and once again the signs were ominous for those hoping to take the Premier League title away from Anfield.
Arne Slot’s champions did not sparkle but got the job done and did it without Wirtz and Isak in their starting line-up.
In their place was a duo who have been outstanding in the opening weeks of the season, and they stepped up to punish Everton in an early phase of Liverpool domination.
Gravenberch has been in magnificent form, continuing his excellence with a finish of quality and technique to beat the diving Pickford.
Ekitike added the second from Gravenberch’s pass to demonstrate what he offers in the central striking role, irrespective of the arrival of British record signing Isak.
Ekitike is a natural finisher, and while Slot has suggested he could play off the left-flank, the £70m signing from Eintracht Frankfurt is making a powerful case to be used through the centre on a regular basis.
Liverpool, as is their habit, made hard work of the second half as Everton improved, but once more they closed out the win to keep their place at the top of the table.
bbc.com