How Did Liverpool Extend Their Perfect Start With A Derby Win Over Everton?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool maintains a perfect record with five straight wins.
- The team displayed depth with significant signings on the bench.
- Everton fought back but could not equalize.
- Manager Arne Slot emphasizes the importance of squad rotation.
- The match was intense, showcasing the rivalry between the teams.
London, Sep 20 (NationPress) Liverpool continued their impeccable journey in the Premier League title defense by securing a fifth consecutive victory, defeating their local rivals Everton 2-1 in the Merseyside derby held at Anfield on Saturday. Arne Slot's team took charge early on, with Ryan Gravenberch converting Mohamed Salah's pass into the net just 10 minutes into the match. The Dutch midfielder then assisted Hugo Ekitike before the 30-minute mark, allowing him to score with a precise low shot past Jordan Pickford.
The depth of Liverpool's squad was evident, as their summer signings worth 241 million pounds, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, remained on the bench until the second half.
Everton began to find their rhythm and struck back in the 58th minute. A cross from Jack Grealish reached Iliman Ndiaye at the far post, who assisted Idrissa Gueye to score a powerful rising shot that beat Alisson.
Despite Everton's attempts to equalize, Liverpool's defense held firm. As Everton pressed for a goal, the final half hour was fraught with tension, but the Reds successfully secured the points, preserving their spotless start to the title defense, according to reports from Xinhua.
Manager Arne Slot expressed satisfaction with earning full points in this challenging match, especially as Liverpool navigates a busy schedule with multiple competitions, coming away with three victories.
“This is why teams like us and Chelsea, competing in Europe, require a robust squad, given the number of games to play. While it’s not an excuse, we acknowledge the challenges, such as Alexander Isak missing four months of training and Alexis Mac Allister's limited participation. However, the positive aspect is my ability to rotate players during the week. Those who regularly play intense matches include Virgil van Dijk, Ibou Konate, Mo Salah, Ryan, and Dom Szoboszlai, who consistently rise to the occasion,” said Slot.