Everton's Idrissa Gueye (1st R) scores his side's first goal during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
LONDON, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Liverpool maintained its flawless start to the club's Premier League title defense with a fifth straight win, overcoming Everton 2-1 in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday.
Arne Slot's side seized control early, as Ryan Gravenberch lifted Mohamed Salah's pass into the net after just 10 minutes. The Dutch midfielder then turned provider before the half-hour mark, slipping in Hugo Ekitike to beat Jordan Pickford with a precise low strike.
Liverpool's depth was underlined by the fact that 241 million-pound summer recruits Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak remained on the bench until the second half.
Everton grew into the contest and struck back after 58 minutes. Jack Grealish's cross reached Iliman Ndiaye at the far post, who teed up Idrissa Gueye to smash home a powerful rising effort past Alisson. ■
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (L) vies for the ball during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch (3rd R) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk celebrates after the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike (2nd R) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker reacts during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo (L) challenges Everton's Iliman Ndiaye during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's Conor Bradley (L) challenges Everton's Thierno Barry (2nd L) during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch (bottom 2nd R) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Everton's manager David Moyes is seen during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Everton's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacts during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's goal-scorer Hugo Ekitike celebrates after the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch (R) vies for the ball during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot is seen before the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Everton's manager David Moyes (R) reacts during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 20, 2025.
