5 hours ago
3
Wayne Rooney believes that Everton was the better team despite Liverpool securing the win in the Merseyside derby.
Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike propelled Liverpool to a fifth consecutive Premier League victory this season, though the win over Everton was narrowly secured. Liverpool took the lead just over 10 minutes in, with Gravenberch firing past Jordan Pickford following a brilliant assist from Mohamed Salah. Around the half-hour mark, Ekitike doubled the advantage, finishing well after a clever pass from Gravenberch, who turned provider.
Everton responded shortly after the break, with Idrissa Gana Gueye scoring a superb goal, but Arne Slot’s side managed to hold on for the three points in a tense finish.
The former Everton forward and Match of the Day pundit said: "Everton started off poorly.
"Liverpool obviously took advantage of that with the opening two goals. After that, I think Everton were probably the better team.
"They just lacked cutting edge, intensity, and some aggression. The second-half changes were positive but should have been made earlier."
Stephen Warnock believes that while it wasn't the most exciting game, it is the result that matters.
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender on BBC Radio 5 Live at Anfield said: "Derby games aren't necessarily the most exciting games or the best quality of game, but from a Liverpool point of view, it is all about getting the result and the three points.
"That's the most important thing."
Liverpool extended its unstoppable start to the season with a Merseyside derby victory, sending another warning to anyone hoping to challenge for the Premier League title at Anfield.
Slot’s players may not have dazzled, but they got the job done, even without Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak in the starting lineup.
Gravenberch continued his superb form, producing a finish of both quality and technique to beat the diving Pickford.
Ekitike then added the second, converting a clever pass from Gravenberch, showcasing his value in the central striker role regardless of the presence of British record signing Isak.
In their place, a pair of players who have shone in the early weeks of the campaign stepped up to punish Everton during a dominant opening period.
As usual, Liverpool made hard work of the second half as Everton grew into the game, but once again the Reds closed out the win, maintaining their position atop the table.
English (US) ·