Liverpool strike early to overcome Everton in Merseyside derby battle

The result marked only the third time in history that the Reds have opened a campaign with five successive wins.

Liverpool set the tone from the first whistle, determined not to leave it late as they had done in some recent matches. Their bright start was rewarded in the 12th minute when Mohamed Salah clipped a precise ball into the path of Ryan Gravenberch, who lifted a fine finish over Jordan Pickford to send the home fans into raptures.

The Reds almost doubled their lead soon after, with Salah himself going close from distance, while Everton's response was limited to a half-chance spurned by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall following good work by Jack Grealish.

The Toffees were punished moments later, as Gravenberch turned provider, threading a pass through for Hugo Ekitike to coolly slot under Pickford for Liverpool's second.

Liverpool nearly handed their rivals a lifeline before half-time when a loose pass from Alisson was intercepted, but Beto's effort under pressure found only the side-netting.

Everton came out stronger after the interval and their persistence was rewarded just before the hour. Iliman Ndiaye teed up Idrissa Gana Gueye, and the midfielder hammered a superb strike into the far corner to pull one back for David Moyes' men.

The match became increasingly tense, with both sides enjoying spells of pressure. Grealish produced a vital clearance on the line to deny Ibrahima Konate, keeping Everton in the contest.

In the closing stages the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser, but their lack of composure in front of goal proved costly.

Liverpool's resilience saw them through to a significant derby win, extending their dominance over Everton at Anfield with an 18th victory in the last 29 league meetings. The Reds stretched their advantage at the top of the table, while Everton's four-match unbeaten run came to an end.

"We showed our quality early and controlled big parts of the game," Slot said. "Derbies are always intense, but the players managed the moments well."

Moyes said his side had chances but came up short. "We had opportunities to get something from the game, but we lacked the final touch. Against Liverpool you have to be ruthless."

The result meant Liverpool are top of the Premier League with 15 points from five matches, while Everton's defeat left them eighth in the table on six points.

Once again, it was the red half of Merseyside who celebrated, with Liverpool's flying start to the season showing no signs of slowing.

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