Ryan Gravenberch’s spectacular strike in the 10th minute propelled Liverpool toward a 2-1 triumph over Everton in the fiercely contested Merseyside derby.
Liverpool extended their flawless Premier League run, reinforcing their dominance in the Merseyside derby with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton, simultaneously widening their lead at the summit of the table to six points.
The reigning champions secured their fifth straight league win thanks to early goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike, who capitalized on Liverpool’s commanding performance during the opening half on Saturday.
However, Liverpool’s momentum waned after the interval, allowing Everton to mount a late resurgence when Idrissa Gana Gueye pulled one back, intensifying the contest.
Everton, managed by Arne Slot, had previously relied on last-minute goals to clinch victories in their last four Premier League matches and their recent Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid. This time, Liverpool’s early dominance-particularly within the first 30 minutes-left Everton still searching for a win at Anfield in the 21st century.
Slot opted to keep his high-profile signings, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, on the bench, while Liverpool benefited from the midfield trio of Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and the standout Gravenberch, whose presence brought balance and creativity.
Gravenberch opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match, expertly volleying home a cross from Mohamed Salah. Salah nearly doubled the lead moments later with a fierce left-footed shot that narrowly missed the target.
Everton, buoyed by a four-game unbeaten streak largely thanks to the revitalized Jack Grealish, responded with a promising move. Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, threaded a pass to Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, who unfortunately fired wide from a tight angle.
Liverpool answered with a polished team effort culminating in Ekitike slotting home a pass from Gravenberch through Jordan Pickford’s legs, marking his third goal in five Premier League appearances since transferring from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The second half unfolded differently, with Liverpool nearly squandering their two-goal cushion-a pattern seen earlier this season against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid. Fatigue appeared to take its toll, especially given the tight turnaround of just over 60 hours following Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time winner against Atletico on Wednesday.
Everton gained hope shortly before the hour mark when Grealish’s deep cross was deflected back to Gueye, who fired a powerful shot past Alisson Becker.
Slot introduced Wirtz and Isak in an attempt to regain control, but their impact was limited.
Despite a tense finish, Liverpool held firm, handing Everton manager David Moyes an unwanted milestone: he has now failed to secure a victory in 23 visits to Anfield, the longest winless streak for any Premier League manager at a single stadium.
