Merseyside Derby: Liverpool beat Everton 2-1

• Liverpool claimed the first Merseyside derby of the season with a 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday afternoon.
• David Moyes is now without a win in his last 23 visits to Anfield Stadium. Despite trying with four different clubs, his agonizing wait continues. 

Liverpool have emerged victorious in the first Merseyside derby of the season, beating Everton 2-1 on Saturday afternoon. The Reds took control of the match early on, thanks to Ryan Gravenberch’s brilliant finish inside ten minutes. Hugo Ekitike then found the back of the net in the 29th minute to double his side’s lead.

Everton reduced the deficit to 2-1 shortly before the hour mark but turned out to be the last goal of the match. Arne Slot’s team have made it five wins in a row as they continue with their Premier League title defence.

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David Moyes is now without a win in his last 23 visits to Anfield Stadium. Despite trying with four different clubs, his agonizing wait continues.

How Liverpool Beat Everton In The Merseyside Derby

Liverpool manager Arne Slot showcased the squad depth of his team by leaving Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz on the bench during the Merseyside derby. The two stars cost a combined 241 million euros, with Isak arriving from Premier League rivals Newcastle United on transfer deadline day.

In their place Slot opted to use Ekitie and Gravenberch, who have been outstanding since the start of the season. It was the two who eventually scored as the Reds secured three points against bitter rivals Everton.

Liverpool’s success this season has been built on late goals, but it seems they had other plans on Saturday as they took the lead inside ten minutes. Gravenberch, the goalscorer, smartly positioned himself in the box to finish off Mohamed Salah’s lofted pass. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had no chance of stopping the Dutchman’s effort from going in.

Salah, the architect behind the opener, came close to doubling his side, a few minutes later when he unleashed a shot from the edge of the box that went just over the bar.

Jack Grealish, who has been outstanding since joining Everton on loan during the 2025 summer transfer window, did an impressive job to set Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on goal. However, the 27-year-old blew the chance to level the scores for the Toffees.

Just when Everton thought they were growing in this tie, Liverpool doubled their lead on the other hand, with Ekitike finding the back of the net. The Frenchman arrived just in time to slide Gravenberch’s pass under Pickford, who was desperately rushing out to claim it. It was his fourth goal since joining Liverpool in the summer.

David Moyes’ men almost pulled one goal back before the break when a loose Alisson pass was intercepted by Iliman Ndiaye who crossed the ball to Beto. However, Beto’s effort went flying over the bar to the stands.

Despite being up 2-0, Liverpool seemed to struggle to control the flow of the game and were punished in the 58th minute when Idrissa Gana Gueye unleashed a thunderous effort that went past Alisson. Grealish produced a defensive heroic as the game approached the last minutes to stop Ibrahima Konate’s header from crossing the line.

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The visitors pushed for a goal in the final 10 minutes of the game but Liverpool, as is their habit, remained firm to ensure they earned all three points. Isak was introduced in the last 20 minutes of the match to play his first Premier League game for Liverpool at Anfield, but wasn’t lucky enough to mark it with a goal.