On paper, at least, Liverpool have thus far achieved perfection with a fifth win in as many Premier League games to keep them looking down on everyone else but they are yet to find their best form. There was a rare lack of late drama in their Merseyside derby triumph over Everton, instead having to cling on to secure the points.
After a swashbuckling first half which saw Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitiké create a two-goal lead for the champions, Everton were awoken and got back into the match thanks to Idrissa Gueye. From then on the visitors were the better team and caused Liverpool plenty of problems but David Moyes left Anfield for the 21st time without a Premier League victory.
Everton approached the game cautiously, putting everyone in blue behind the ball whenever Liverpool were in possession. Moyes plotted a pragmatic gameplan in the hope of keeping the league leaders quiet. Liverpool took advantage of how deep their opponents were, enjoying the vast majority of possession. An early goal felt almost inevitable and it came within 10 minutes when Gravenberch broke through the defensive lines to reach a bouncing Mohamed Salah cross, which he hooked beyond Jordan Pickford with expert technique.
