Liverpool 2-1 Everton: Report, result and goals as Ekitike bags winner in derby
It was a comfortable afternoon for the Reds against their bitter rivals.
Liverpool extended their dominance in the Merseyside derby with a 2-1 win over Everton at Anfield, though they were made to sweat after Idrissa Gana Gueye’s stunning strike set up a tense finale.
The home side were in control for large stretches, with Ryan Gravenberch proving the difference in both halves of the pitch.
First, the Dutch midfielder produced a clinical finish to open the scoring, then he provided the through-ball for Hugo Ekitike to double Liverpool’s lead before the half-hour mark.
Everton, who offered little threat in the opening 45 minutes, fought back after the break and gave themselves a lifeline through Gueye’s thunderous effort, but ultimately left empty-handed once again.
Gravenberch Makes His Mark
Everton began the match with plenty of energy, pressing high and using Jack Grealish as an outlet on the left.
Yet their bright start quickly faded, and Liverpool punished them with their very first real chance in the 10th minute. Mohamed Salah, cutting inside from the right, whipped in a teasing cross that picked out Gravenberch near the penalty spot.
With one deft touch, the midfielder guided the ball beyond Jordan Pickford and into the bottom corner, sparking raucous celebrations in the Kop.
The goal set the tone for the rest of the half. Salah’s movement repeatedly unsettled the visitors’ defence, and Everton were forced into last-ditch interventions from James Tarkowski and Vitaliy Mykolenko to keep the scoreline manageable.
But Liverpool’s momentum was irresistible, and just before the half-hour mark they doubled their advantage.
Once again, Gravenberch was at the heart of the move. Slipping a perfectly weighted pass through the centre, he carved open Everton’s back line for Ekitike, who had been selected ahead of Alexander Isak.
The French striker showed impressive composure, taking one touch before steering a low shot into the bottom-left corner. It was his third Premier League goal of the campaign, and with a 2-0 cushion, Liverpool looked set to cruise.
Everton Fight Back
For much of the first half, Everton’s attacking play was toothless. Beto cut an isolated figure up front, unable to test Alisson, while Dewsbury-Hall and Gueye struggled to gain a foothold in midfield.
A couple of late corners offered hope, but Alisson dealt with them comfortably, ensuring Liverpool reached the break with a two-goal lead and their Anfield record intact – they had never previously lost a Premier League game when leading by two at half-time.
Sean Dyche’s men, though, returned after the interval with more intent. Beto was withdrawn for Thierno Barry, and the fresh legs gave the visitors slightly more movement in attack.
Still, chances were scarce until the 58th minute, when Everton suddenly found a breakthrough.
A cross from Grealish on the left caused panic in the Liverpool area. Iliman Ndiaye calmly laid the ball back, and Gueye arrived on cue to lash a ferocious strike into the top corner. Alisson had no chance.
Against the run of play, Everton were back in it, and the momentum of the derby shifted.
Nervy Finish at Anfield
From that moment, Anfield grew tense. The visitors began to hurl long throws and push higher up the pitch, while Liverpool’s earlier fluency disappeared.
Pickford had to race off his line to deny Salah a potential third goal for the hosts, but the home crowd knew a single Everton strike could snatch two points away.
As the clock ticked down, Dyche introduced Carlos Alcaraz and teenager Tyler Dibling to inject more attacking drive.
Grealish’s late volley flew well over the bar, and despite five substitutes being thrown on, Everton could not find a dramatic equaliser.