Statistical Analysis of Liverpool 2-1 Everton: Derby Win Masks Second-Half Drop-Off
Liverpool’s Winning Run Continues Against City Rivals in Premier League Clash
Saturday 12.30pm kick-offs are a strange ritual in English football. Designed for TV markets in the Far East, they mute the crowd, disrupt routines and punish travelling fans. They can catch players cold too, especially after a draining midweek fixture. But if you win, they are a gift. Liverpool beat Everton 2-1 at Anfield in the early match, claimed 3 more Premier League points and left the rest of the league chasing shadows for the rest of the weekend.
There were positives in abundance, along with familiar issues that have yet to be ironed out. Arne Slot’s side showed flashes of control and quality, but there were also moments of vulnerability, especially without the ball. Still, 5 wins from 5 tells its own story.
Tactical Tweaks, Familiar Patterns
Liverpool began on the front foot, sharp and assertive, despite some rotation from the side that beat Atlético Madrid on Wednesday. Florian Wirtz was rested, Dominik Szoboszlai pushed higher, and Hugo Ekitiké replaced Alexander Isak. It took just one clean attacking move to carve Everton open.
Mohamed Salah, from his usual right channel, shaped a lofted diagonal pass into the path of Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder made a difficult finish look easy. It was a moment of invention from Salah and confidence from Gravenberch, whose role has grown in influence this season.
Gravenberch (chart above) has been given more licence to make forward runs, something that stood out against Atlético too. When he vacates central areas, it is vital others cover, but the attacking return is clear. If he can sharpen his progressive passing, and feed Wirtz more consistently, this Liverpool midfield will become much harder to stop.
Before half-time, Gravenberch made another decisive contribution. He turned provider, spotting Ekitiké’s darting run and finding him with precision. The Frenchman’s movement was slightly awkward, his technique not entirely smooth, but the finish was confident. Everton’s back line looked disorganised, and Liverpool punished them.
