David Moyes was hoping to put his Anfield voodoo to an end as Everton made the short trip to Anfield. Despite Liverpool enjoying a perfect start to their campaign, late goals were needed in each game, perhaps giving Everton some encouragement about potential weaknesses in Arne Slot’s side. Vitaliy Mykolenko returned once more, further strengthening an already in-form side, unbeaten since the opening weekend of the season.
Despite the hope of a positive outcome, Liverpool dominated early proceedings, reminding the away supporters exactly why the record at Anfield is so poor. Everton couldn’t escape and gave away possession, often through a hopeful punt towards Beto, who found it difficult to make it stick. It wasn’t long until the home team capitalised, as Ryan Gravenberch’s run wasn’t tracked, and he got on the end of a lobbed through ball, lifting it over Jordan Pickford. Everton had no complaints as their passive play continued, leading to Liverpool’s second of the afternoon. Hugo Ekitike this time ran through and finished despite James Tarkowski’s effort to recover.
Everton could have no complaints, and fans would have been forgiven for believing this was about to be a long afternoon. Nevertheless, a few passages of play inspired confidence in the players, and they finished the half strongly. Idrissa Gueye found himself with a shooting opportunity, only for the veteran to strike high and wide. As the half-time whistle blew, and with the away side encouraged by the latter stages, both sides knew the importance of the next goal.
Thierno Barry was called upon for the second half, ending a frustrating cameo for Beto. Everton began how they had left off, gaining more possession and mustering half chances. Jack Grealish took the initiative and allowed his team-mates to rise up the pitch. With the added pressure came a moment of quality. The aforementioned Grealish drove up the left-hand side and dinked a ball towards the back post. Illiman Ndiaye was on hand to cushion the ball back to Gueye, who struck it towards the top corner. Now back in the contest, Everton were keen to keep the ball moving and were in a hurry to do so. Still, Darren England felt a break was needed after each stoppage, not allowing the men in blue to quickly take set pieces. A yellow card was brandished to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for taking a free kick before the man in the middle was set in position, prompting confusion from the dugout. After late pressure, Everton were unable to crack the defence, and so the scoreline remained unchanged after Gueye’s second-half effort. England cemented his position as enemy number one by only adding three minutes of additional time, ensuring a Tarkowski moment didn’t repeat itself.
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