Derby Day Blues For Everton As Liverpool March On | OneFootball

Anfield has rarely been a happy hunting ground for Everton, and Saturday was no different. Liverpool extended their perfect start to the Premier League season with a nervy 2-1 victory, a result that further underlined the gulf between the two Merseyside rivals.

For David Moyes, this latest defeat was particularly bruising. It marked his 21st Premier League visit to Anfield without a victory, a record-breaking run that now includes 15 losses and six draws. Not since Carlo Ancelotti’s behind-closed-doors triumph in 2021 have Everton left Liverpool’s home with three points. In front of a full house, they haven’t managed it this century.

Liverpool Still To Get Going

Liverpool, meanwhile, created a slice of history of their own. This was the fifth consecutive home win over Everton the first time they have achieved that feat in 88 years. On paper, it maintains a flawless opening to the campaign. In reality, Arne Slot’s side are still searching for their best version.

The Reds raced into a two-goal lead before the break, with Ryan Gravenberch breaking the deadlock and Hugo Ekitike doubling the advantage. For Ekitike, it was a defining derby moment. Much of the summer focus had been on Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s £125 million signing, expected to become the undisputed spearhead of Slot’s attack. But the young Frenchman was preferred here with both Isak and £116m Florian Wirtz surprisingly benched and he delivered emphatically, scoring his third goal in five league games. The Kop’s response was telling: his name echoed around Anfield as the supporters serenaded their new striker

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The second half, however, told a different story. Everton found a foothold through Idrissa Gueye’s strike and pushed Liverpool deep into their own half. Suddenly, the control of the first period evaporated and Slot’s men looked vulnerable. Everton’s late pressure suggested the old problems lapses in concentration, an inability to close out games are not entirely behind Liverpool, even as they sit proudly at the summit of the table.

Wirtz Still Settling

For Florian Wirtz, the derby was another reminder of the scrutiny that comes with a record-breaking transfer. Criticized for a lack of physicality and still without a goal or assist in the Premier League, he found himself dropped to the bench. Slot will hope the Germany international can settle quickly, but for now, others are carrying the load.

Ultimately, the victory will be remembered for Ekitike’s breakthrough and for Moyes’ continuing hoodoo. Liverpool march on, perfect in their points return, but not yet perfect in performance. Everton, meanwhile, remain trapped in the same cycle of frustration at Anfield a place where hope so often comes to to sticky heartbreak for the toffees.