Match Report: Liverpool 2:0 Everton - Liverpool Return To Winning Ways With Merseyside Derby Victory

Liverpool secured all three points in their 2-0 victory over Everton as they claimed bragging rights in the first Merseyside derby of the season. 

First Half

It was Everton who started the game brightly as Dwight McNeil’s sumptuous cross into the box was met by the head of Dominic Calvert-Lewin but it was comfortably saved by Alisson.

Liverpool slowly grew into the game and almost had an opener after 10 minutes as Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass was collected by Luis Diaz who was through on the goal but a last-ditch tackle from Ashley Young lessened fears of conceding.

Throughout the first half, both sides struggled to create clear cut chances as the battle in midfield was a challenging one for Liverpool and Everton. 

However, late in the first half, Ashley Young’s foul on Luis Diaz cost him a second yellow card as he was sent off, leaving his side with 10 men for the rest of the game. Liverpool failed to capitalise on the advantage as they headed into the second half at 0-0.

Second Half

Liverpool began the second half with a determination to improve their performance as their urgency was certainly noticeable.

Great defending from James Tarkowski saw the Everton captain put in last-ditch blocks to deny both Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah.

With the game looking like it was heading for a draw, Luis Díaz’s cross on the 70th minute connected with the hand of Michael Keane which led referee Craig Pawson to award Liverpool with a penalty.

Despite a quiet day at the office for Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian stepped up and scored his sixth Premier League goal of the season. 

Nine minutes of stoppage time were added as Everton began one last chance to grab a draw but with one minute left of action left, Alexis Mac Allister’s pass set off Darwin Núñez on a counter attack as his pass found Salah who dispatched his second of the game past Jordan Pickford.

LFC Globe Verdict

While it wasn’t a vintage Liverpool performance, they were comfortable for most of the game and took their chances as they got back to winning ways and temporarily top the table.

Man Of The Match And What’s Next?

Mohamed Salah continues being Liverpool’s talisman as a second consecutive brace for the winger claims all three points for his team.

Having a player of his quality in games when you’re not quite at your best is great and the 31-year-old once again came up with the goods.

Liverpool are back in action on Thursday as they host Toulouse in the Europa League before they get back to Premier League duties on Sunday, October 29th at 14:00PM (UK time) as they host Nottingham Forest.