Mohamed Salah scored his first goal in five games in all competitions as Liverpool defeated Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside derby. On 36 minutes, the Egyptian scored 13 seconds after James Tarkowski hit the post at the other end. Cody Gakpo also scored his first goal for Liverpool in a vital win for Jurgen Klopp following a string of poor losses.
Mohamed Salah scored for the Reds before halftime, and they finally strolled to three points, breaking a run of four Premier League games without a win. Everton, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat under Sean Dyche, who would have been concerned by how outmatched his team was after falling behind.
The first half-hour or so was quite rough, but the Toffees were unlucky not to score when James Tarkowski struck the post from an Alex Iwobi corner. That mishap became a double blow when the hosts counter-attacked swiftly and with such pace that their visitors were unable to keep up. Salah finished the play by punching into an empty net from Darwin Nunez’s cross after Jordan Pickford misjudged the threat.
After halftime, the Reds increased their lead with another slick burst, with Cody Gakpo slamming into an empty net at the back post from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross.
Liverpool has had a few false starts this season, but their home form has never been in doubt, as they have only lost once at Anfield in the league. However, their recent performances, particularly their defeats at Wolves and Brighton, have been so dull and lifeless that questions were being raised.
To be fair, Liverpool’s form at Anfield, where they have now won seven of their last 11 league games, has never been in doubt. However, this performance was closer to what has become the more familiar norm for Jurgen Klopp’s side, with more energy, pace, and aggression.
Liverpool has now won 15 of their last 26 home games against Everton, with only one defeat. Meanwhile, Everton has now failed to score in six of their previous seven Premier League away games.