Following their UEFA Champions League (UCL) victory versus Atletico Madrid in the midweek, Liverpool made four changes to their lineup for their Premier League match against Everton at Anfield on Saturday, September 20. Alexis Mac Allister, Conor Bradley, Milos Kerkez, and Ekitike started for Liverpool under manager Arne Slot, while Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were relegated to the bench. Everton, under the revitalised leadership of manager David Moyes, fielded a strong side featuring Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City and a returning Vitalii Mykolenko, though star defender Jarrad Branthwaite remained sidelined by injury.
But when it was all said and done, Liverpool maintained their flawless start to the 2025-26 Premier League season
with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over city rivals Everton in the 247th Merseyside Derby at Anfield. The encounter, played before a roaring crowd at the iconic stadium, saw Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike score for the Reds, while Idrissa Gueye’s second-half strike ensured a nervy finish for the defending champions. The win, Liverpool’s fifth in as many league matches, temporarily extends their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points, reinforcing their title credentials.
Liverpool asserted dominance and pressed Everton relentlessly from the opening whistle
The Merseyside Derby, historically dubbed the “friendly derby” due to mixed fan families, has evolved into a fiercer rivalry, underscored by the chaotic 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025, which saw four red cards after a post-match brawl. Saturday’s clash also carried emotional weight, with Liverpool fans honoring the late Diogo Jota, whose goal secured a 1-0 win in the previous Anfield derby on April 2, 2025. From the opening whistle, Liverpool asserted dominance, pressing Everton relentlessly. Their early pressure paid off in the 10th minute when Mohamed Salah, clipped a pass to Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder produced a moment of brilliance, striking a half-volley across goal with spin to beat Jordan Pickford, igniting Anfield.
Everton struggled to find rhythm in the first half but ended strongly, with Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall creating chances. The second half saw Everton, reinvigorated by Moyes’ tactical adjustments and the introduction of Thierno Barry for Beto, dominate possession and press for an equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded in the 58th minute when Grealish delivered a pinpoint cross, Iliman Ndiaye laid it off, and Gueye curled a powerful shot past Alisson to make it 2-1, but it wasn't enough
Post-match, Slot praised his team’s resilience, noting, “We’re so fit that we’re able to push one more time,” referencing their knack for late goals this season. As Liverpool prepare for their next match against Southampton in the League Cup on Tuesday, September 23, their perfect start and ability to grind out results affirm their championship pedigree. Everton, despite the loss, head to their League Cup tie against Wolves with confidence, their resurgence under Moyes evident.
