Anfield was electric on 20 September 2025, as Liverpool edged out their old rivals Everton 2-1 in a pulsating Merseyside derby. The Reds maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season, while Everton were left to rue missed chances and a slow first half. Here’s how it unfolded.
Pre-Match Build Up & Context
- Form: Liverpool came in brimming with confidence, unbeaten and having won all four league matches so far. Their momentum in all competitions has been strong as well.
- Everton, meanwhile, had shown moments of promise but also inconsistency. Two defeats now, plus draws and wins, had left them mid-table with some uncertainty.
- The derby rivalry always adds a layer of intensity; Liverpool historically have had the upper hand in recent derbies, especially at Anfield.
First Half: Liverpool Set the Pace
Liverpool drew first blood fairly early.
- Around the 10th minute, Ryan Gravenberch scored, after a well-weighted pass by Mohamed Salah opened up space. The midfield presence of Gravenberch was beginning to be felt.
- The Reds continued to dominate territorial possession and chance creation. Everton looked a bit stretched, especially trying to contain Liverpool’s width and forward surges.
- By the 29th minute, Liverpool doubled their lead through Hugo Ekitike, who slotted home after another incisive move. It was his fourth of the season, showing sharp finishing and good movement in the box.
- Everton struggled to create clear cut chances. They worked hard but often looked reactive rather than proactive. Their defense had to stay alert to Liverpool’s shifting attacks.
At the break, it was Liverpool 2-0 Everton, and the Reds had done more than enough to lead. Everton’s manager David Moyes knew his side needed a much improved second period.
Second Half: Everton Push Back, But Too Little Too Late
- Everton came out looking sharper after the break. They tightened up defensively but also began pushing forward with more urgency.
- Around the 58th minute, Idrissa Gueye pulled one back for Everton. The goal came from a well-worked move: Jack Grealish provided a cross, Iliman Ndiaye was involved in the buildup, and Gueye finished neatly. Suddenly, the momentum shifted.
- Everton then pressed, looking for the equaliser. Several attempts, some good delivery, crosses into the box, but Liverpool’s backline and goalkeeper held firm. Liverpool also made tactical tweaks: substitutions aimed to manage the game, slowing tempo and closing gaps when possible. Anderson (or whoever was substituted in) helped shore up the midfield.
- As the match wore on, tensions rose. Everton believed there could have been more stoppage time; Moyes and players raised concerns about refereeing decisions and time-keeping.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- Early Goal by Gravenberch: The opener always shifts a derby’s balance; Liverpool getting this so early forced Everton to adjust their game plan under pressure.
- Ekitike’s Goal: Doubling the lead before halftimes gives teams a cushion; it allowed Liverpool to absorb Everton’s second-half surge more confidently.
- Gueye’s Goal: Gave Everton life, reminded the Reds that the game was far from over.
- Substitutions & Tactical Discipline: Liverpool’s ability to manage phases, defend their lead, and calm the game when needed was crucial.
Tactical Analysis
- Liverpool’s Strengths:
- Midfield Control: Gravenberch, plus the support from Salah and others, meant Liverpool often dictated tempo in first half.
- Wide Play & Transitions: Stretching the pitch, creating overloads on wings which forced Everton defenders to make hard choices.
- Composure Under Pressure: When Everton pressed after half-time, Liverpool didn’t panic. They retained their shape, used experience to close spaces, and didn’t allow too many dangerous chances.
- Everton’s Approach:
- Slow Start: Costly. Going 2-0 down early made the game much more difficult.
- Second-half Intensity: Improved, with better link-up play and penetrative runs, especially from Grealish and Ndiaye. But lacked the finishing touch or edge in critical moments.
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Especially in the first half, under pressure from Liverpool’s pressing and quick movement, several moments where Everton’s backline was stretched.
Players & Performance
- Man of the Match / Standout Performers:
- Ryan Gravenberch – perhaps Liverpool’s key figure today. Scored, contributed in the build-up, showed quality in midfield transitions.
- Hugo Ekitike – continual goal threat, clinical finish for his goal. His momentum this season is notable.
- On Everton’s side, Jack Grealish receives praise for work rate and creating chances; Idrissa Gueye for the pulling one back. But no Everton player could dominate sufficiently to overturn the deficit.
- Other Noteworthy Players:
- Substitutions from Liverpool: bringing fresh legs helped to manage Everton’s pressing.
- Everton’s attackers had moments but struggled to make them count.
The Numbers
- Table Impact: Liverpool remain undefeated in the league after five matches, with 15 points, and sit atop the table.
- Everton suffer their second defeat, leaving them with around 7 points and mid-table (7th).
- Goal Stats: Liverpool have now scored more than 10 goals in their opening five matches; goal difference stays healthy.
Post-Match Reactions
- Liverpool Manager Arne Slot expressed satisfaction with the early dominance and praised the players for holding on despite Everton’s pressure in the second half. He stressed the need to maintain intensity across 90 minutes.
- Everton Manager David Moyes was critical of the slow start and some refereeing decisions. He felt that the time added on was insufficient given stoppages, injuries, etc., and that those decisions stifled Everton’s late momentum.
What This Means Moving Forward
- Liverpool: The win cements their strong start. Momentum, belief, and depth are significant positives. However, the second half showed areas for improvement — keeping concentration when the opponent presses, and avoiding giving the initiative away.
- Everton: The loss highlights recurring issues: away from home, slow beginnings, finishing chances. They showed character after half-time and maybe could build on that, but must address consistency and mental game.
Fan & Media Mood
- Fans of Liverpool are buoyed: a derby win always carries extra weight, especially in front of home supporters. The performance in the first half has been picked out as a highlight.
- Everton fans are frustrated. There’s belief that the second half performance showed what Everton could be, but too much damage was done early on. Debate around refereeing and time management lingered post-match.
- Media commentary has praised Liverpool’s depth and resolve, while suggesting Everton need sharper execution up front and a more robust plan to deal with pressure early in big games.
Verdict
Liverpool did exactly what a team of their calibre needed in a derby: take early control, capitalize on chances, then weather opposition pressure. Everton showed flashes, especially after the break, but left themselves too much to do. In the context of the season, this result keeps Liverpool firmly in title contention, while Everton have work ahead to convince that their ambitions match their performances.