6 duels won: ‘Solid’ Liverpool beast justified big Arne Slot call in Merseyside derby triumph | OneFootball

Liverpool won a fifth straight home Merseyside derby on Saturday, and this time they didn’t even need a goal in the final 10 minutes to secure victory!

However, Kopites’ nerves were frayed once again as a thumping Idrissa Gueye finish just before the hour mark set up a potential grandstand finish at Anfield, and Everton had far too much of the ball in the Reds’ defensive third of the pitch for our liking thereafter.

Arne Slot’s side ultimately held on to preserve their 100% start to the Premier League season and, for a couple of hours at least, open a six-point gap at the top of the table.

The Liverpool head coach made four changes to his starting XI from the midweek win over Atletico Madrid, with the omissions of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak attracting the most attention before kick-off.

There was also an alteration at left-back as Milos Kerkez regained his place in the line-up ahead of Andy Robertson, and despite some journalists admitting their surprise at that decision, the 21-year-old ultimately vindicated the faith of his boss.

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Kerkez was an unsung hero for Liverpool in Merseyside derby

As per Sofascore, the Hungary international won six of his nine duels, completed 31 of his 35 passes (89% success) and 100% of his dribbles, played one key pass and made six clearances, two interceptions and two tackles against Everton at Anfield.

Journalist Bence Bocsak hailed a ‘solid’ performance from the Reds’ number 6 (via X), while the Liverpool Echo‘s Ian Doyle awarded him 7/10 in his post-match player ratings after a ‘confidence-boosting showing’ up against the ‘dangerous’ Iliman Ndiaye.

Kerkez endured a tough day at the office against Burnley last week, being booked for simulation (an act that Jamie Carragher labelled ‘absolutely stupid‘) and being substituted after only 38 minutes, but he was much improved in the Merseyside derby.

As Everton pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, the Hungarian made two pivotal clearing headers from threatening crosses which would otherwise have been destined for the onrushing Jake O’Brien.

The 21-year-old was an unsung hero for Liverpool today as they once again claimed local bragging rights and made it six successive wins in all competitions.