Liverpool Returns to Form with a Victory in the Merseyside Derby

The Reds marked their return after the international break with a win in the Merseyside Derby, courtesy of a remarkable performance by Mohamed Salah, who netted another brace.

Getting Acquainted with the Left Side

The two less familiar names in the lineup occupied positions on the left side: Kostas Tsimikas made his first league start of the season, and Ryan Gravenberch made his full league debut for Liverpool. Surprisingly, despite joining the club over three years ago, this was only Tsimikas’s second Merseyside Derby appearance. The Greek defender had a steady start, contributing to counter-attacks, making some solid defensive plays, but also delivering some wayward crosses and committing a few fouls.

Gravenberch displayed excellent ball control, evading pressure, and excelled in winning the ball back in midfield. However, he missed a couple of goal-scoring opportunities that he should have converted. Both players faded in the second half, partially due to their lack of recent game time, and were substituted after an hour. Notably, it was Luis Diaz on the left flank who drew two fouls from Ashley Young, leading to a red card for the Everton player.

A Morning Kick-off Conquered

Last season, Liverpool struggled in early kick-offs, failing to win any of their six 12:30pm matches. However, this time around, they’ve secured two wins in two early kick-off games, having beaten Wolves and Everton. While points have improved, the atmosphere in early kick-off matches remains a concern, as they often lack the energy seen in afternoon and evening fixtures. It’s worth noting that Sean Dyche is the eighth Everton manager to face Jurgen Klopp during his Liverpool tenure, highlighting the club’s managerial instability. Additionally, this match witnessed the first red card not involving Liverpool in the Premier League this season.

Plenty of Shots, But Lacking Precision

The match witnessed several periods of uninspiring play, as reflected in the shot statistics. Liverpool had 15 shots in just over an hour, but only one of those found the target and none seriously tested Jordan Pickford. Many of these shots were taken from challenging positions and angles, resulting in few goal-scoring opportunities. Crossing and set pieces from both flanks were also imprecise. Nevertheless, the pressure eventually led to a handball and a penalty. Substitutes Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez injected creativity and precision into Liverpool’s play.

Salah’s Consistent Productivity

Although not his best game, Mohamed Salah’s effectiveness remained high, particularly at Anfield. He has now scored in four consecutive home Premier League matches. In the last 13 home league games, he has found the net in 12 of them, totaling 14 goals during that period. Salah is not only a prolific scorer but also a creator. Even when not at his peak, he can still be a match-winner. With 105 goals, he has surpassed Steven Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish in terms of goals scored at Anfield.

Brief Stint at the Top

While it’s only October, the victory propelled Liverpool to the top of the league, offering a positive start to the season. The next target is to continue winning until the international break, building confidence for upcoming challenges, including a match against Manchester City. This period will provide a better indication of Liverpool’s potential for the season, especially after their summer rebuilding efforts.