Merseyside derbies are never short of drama, and Saturday at Anfield was no exception.
The atmosphere was electric before kick-off—banners flying, songs booming, and tributes filling the stands.
Fans celebrated Liverpool’s rich European history, honored the late Joey Jones, and couldn’t resist reminding their blue neighbors of Everton’s long trophy drought since 1995.
But as much as the first half belonged to Liverpool’s celebrations, the second half brought tension, nerves, and the kind of edge-of-the-seat finish that derbies thrive on.
Liverpool’s Early Spark
Arne Slot’s men wasted little time setting the tone. Just ten minutes in, Cody Gakpo’s crunching tackle launched a Liverpool move that ended with Ryan Gravenberch coolly converting past Jordan Pickford.
It was a statement goal, both sharp and clinical.
Before Everton could recover, another mistake in midfield allowed Alexis Mac Allister to find Gravenberch, who slipped it through for Hugo Ekitike.
In a flash, the forward buried it, doubling Liverpool’s lead inside half an hour.
Anfield roared, the flags flew again, and it looked like this might be a comfortable afternoon.
Everton Fight Back with Grealish Leading the Charge
But derbies are rarely that simple. After the break, Jack Grealish began to stamp his authority on the game.
Once he started seeing more of the ball, Everton grew in belief.
His driving run and teasing cross found Iliman Ndiaye, who set up Idrissa Gueye for a thunderous strike that flew past Alisson to make it 2-1.
Suddenly, it was game on. Liverpool looked nervy, their first-half swagger evaporating as Everton pushed for an equaliser.
Anfield Turns Anxious
The final 30 minutes felt like a different game altogether.
Liverpool’s crowd went from singing triumphantly to whistling desperately for the final whistle.
Everton pressed, Grealish dazzled, and even dropped back to make crucial defensive interventions, showing his full range of influence.
Slot turned to his bench, bringing on Florian Wirtz and debutant Alexander Isak.
But neither made the impact he hoped for—Wirtz looked off the pace, while Isak struggled to find rhythm.
Everton smelled blood, but Liverpool clung on, keeping the ball in the corner and doing whatever it took to see the game out.
The Result That Matters
In the end, Liverpool survived the scare. Their 2-1 win made it five victories from five Premier League matches, ensuring they would finish the weekend top of the table regardless of other results.
The performance may not have been flawless—far from it—but the points were secured.
For Everton and David Moyes, the result was a familiar frustration.
Another trip to Anfield without victory, extending Moyes’ personal run of 23 games without a win at Liverpool’s home.
More Work Ahead for Liverpool
While Liverpool’s winning run is impressive, there are still clear signs of vulnerability.
They continue to fade in the second half, and some of their big-name summer arrivals, like Wirtz and Isak, are yet to settle.
Still, the ominous message for the rest of the league is clear—this side isn’t firing on all cylinders yet, and they’re still perfect in the league.
For now, Slot’s men remain on top, but if the second-half lapses continue, tougher tests could soon expose them.