Ryan Gravenbellch celebrates Liverpool’s goals. (Photo: Getty.)
Liverpool continued their perfect Premier League record by beating Everton 2-1 in the first Merseyside derby of the season. Arne Slot brought surprises by signing Alexander Isaac and Florian Wiltz on the bench for the £241 million summer signature, but the pre-match chatter was quickly placed on one side when Lian Greygun Burch opened up a score within 10 minutes with a clever half-boree from Mohamed Sarah’s lob.
Gravenberch turned the provider when the Dutchman discovered Hugo Ekitike and discovered the darts run. He found a summer signature. He was not mistaken to fire Jordan Pickford in the past. But seeing a 2-0 lead creeping up like they did against Atletico Madrid mid-week, Idrissa Geye cut Everton’s deficit by half on his first strike after Ilman Nadiye’s layoff.
Slott made most of the second half visible on his side, and was furious in a furious manner to let his feet off the gas. It’s an issue that concerns the Dutch, despite having secured three points and bragging rights against local rivals.
Here we look at how Express Sports has progressed with Liverpool’s star…
Liverpool Player Rating vs Everton
Goalkeeper
Allison-6
When Gueye scored in the start of the second half, he did little other than picking up the ball from behind the net.
defense
Conor Bradley-6
His fight with Jack Grelish was perhaps the most interesting of all individual duels on the pitch, something Connor Bradley struggled at times despite his determination. Grealish was able to supply the ball continuously, especially in the second half, and as a result, forced Gueye’s goal.
TNT sports commentator Ally McCoist said Grealish wouldn’t be surprised if Bradley chased him into the parking lot full time.
Ibrahima Conate-6
Using his presence as Beto dealt with any threats, and Thierno Barry poses in the second half. However, Everton’s threat came mostly from a wide area.
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Virgil van Dyke sticks his tongue out with James Tarkowski. (Image: TNT Sports.)
Virgil Van Dijk -7
Virgil Van Dijk sticks his tongue out with James Tarkowski and another long Everton hasn’t thrown the game, so perhaps he could not secure a clean sheet again.
Milos Kerquez-6
While it didn’t overly arise in the atmosphere of the Merseyside Derby amid the appeal of Andy Robertson to maintain his place, you’ll be disappointed that Ndiaye was able to find enough space to set Everton’s goals. I created an important back post clearing header in 89 minutes.
Middle
Rien Grain Bellch-9
His opening goal was to meet half volley and somehow show incredible techniques to hook him in the same direction, and Pickford moved forward from the middle and gave him no opportunity to save his efforts.
Gravenberch wasn’t satisfied with the contribution of one goal, but Ekitike found the perfect 1 inch Ekitike through the ball and the Frenchman bagged his first Merseyside derby goal. A truly dominant performance.
Dominik Szoboszlai -7
Granted an additional license to attack in Wirtz’s absence, his delicate flicks moved a move that ended with Ekitike slotting past Pickford. It was a role that suited him as the Hungarian continues to wager his claims as one of the league’s top midfielders.
Alexis Mac Allister -6
Still speeding up, following the first half, he struggled to compete and was replaced by Curtis Jones at the hour mark.
attack
Mohamed Sarah-8
Playing the wrong pass ruined a promising attack early on, but made up for the error when clipping at Grave Ben Burch’s moment of crushing the ball, lifting the cross over the back of the net.
Clearly in the mood, he almost stripped the roof of the net, which just flew around. All of these were 15-minute openings, and the Egyptians remained a threat throughout.
Hugo Ekitike -8
Isaac was given the opportunity to return to the bench and stamp the authorities into that striker status, and was able to get the wrong goal 29 minutes later. Ekitike found a yard of space in the box and skilled his finish. He is confident and at his best, with some eye-catching flicks.
That’s a good problem, but the way slots fire both Ekitique and Isaac on both Liverpool teams with all cylinders can last forever throughout the season.
Cody Gakpo -6
I was in trouble too often and was barely surprised when I was replaced by Wirtz an hour later.
Mohamed Sarah and Ryan Gravenberch starred against Everton. (Image: Getty)
Alternatives
Curtis Jones (61′)-6
It was brought to try and regain some control courtesy of Liverpool, but he couldn’t do so as anxiety creeped up into Merseyside’s red half.
Florian Wirtz (61′)-6
Although he scored Liverpool’s first league goal, Tarkovsky provided power with great blocks and already avoided vitalii mykolenko with the dummy.
Alexander Isaac (67′)-7
A few neat touches set up Sarah with a clever ball, but the Egyptians were slightly offside before his close-range attempt was blocked.
