Gravenberch’s touch and Ekitiké’s finish keep Liverpool perfect in derby clincher

Liverpool’s title defence stayed immaculate with a 2-1 victory over Everton that showcased a lightning start and late-game grit. Ryan Gravenberch struck after just 10 minutes—Liverpool’s earliest home goal since September 2023—from Mohamed Salah’s deft delivery, before sliding in Hugo Ekitiké to double the lead before the half-hour.

The champions faded after the interval and were pegged back when Jack Grealish’s cross reached Iliman Ndiaye, who laid the ball off for Idrissa Gueye to lash past Alisson. But Anfield’s nerves were met with resilience, and Arne Slot’s side saw it out to claim a fifth straight league win and stay clear at the summit.

A flying start born of midfield balance

Reunited as a trio, Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister provided structure and thrust from the first whistle. Everton dropped into a low block but Liverpool moved the ball quickly enough to prise them open, Salah’s bouncing cross finding Gravenberch surging through the line. The Dutchman’s technique—hooking the finish past Jordan Pickford—set the tone.

It was not just the goal. Gravenberch’s control in possession and awareness without it underpinned Liverpool’s best spells, and his understanding with the full-backs and forwards repeatedly tilted the pitch towards the Kop. His early strike allowed Liverpool to play from the front and, crucially, forced Everton to chase.

Ekitiké’s case to lead the line

When the second arrived, it was Gravenberch again at the heart of it—threading a pass between defenders for Ekitiké to run on to and slide beneath Pickford. The Frenchman’s composure brought his fourth Liverpool goal since joining in the summer and reinforced how naturally he occupies the central striking role.

That argument carries extra weight amid the summer reshuffle. Florian Wirtz and British-record signing Alexander Isak—£241m of talent—started on the bench, with Isak introduced late for his league debut. As Slot put it, every top side needs two great No 9s; for now, Ekitiké is ensuring the standard does not drop.

Weathering the storm after the break

Everton raised the temperature after half-time. Grealish repeatedly isolated Conor Bradley, clipping a cross to the back post for Ndiaye to cushion into Gueye’s path for a thumping finish that gave Alisson no chance. From there, Liverpool ceded territory and rhythm, conceding cheap free-kicks as the visitors grew bolder.

Despite the pressure, Liverpool’s spine held. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté shut down Thierno Barry after his introduction for Beto, and Everton, for all their menace down the flanks, did not test Alisson often enough. The champions were more clinical than dominant—three shots on target, two goals—but that cutting edge made the difference.

Slot’s verdict and the road ahead

“We ran a bit out of energy but not out of mentality,” Slot reflected, noting Liverpool’s third game in less than seven days. His selection calls paid off again, with Gravenberch central to both goals and Ekitiké’s movement sharpening Liverpool’s edge before Isak’s late cameo. The balancing act between depth and rhythm is real, but so too is the habit of winning.

Five consecutive league victories under Slot have taken Liverpool six points clear at the top while performances continue to evolve. Next comes Southampton in the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Tuesday, 23 September (20:00 BST), before a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday, 27 September (15:00 BST).