On Monday night, Anfield was the center of attention as Liverpool secured a commanding 2-0 win over their local rivals, Everton, in the Merseyside derby. Despite facing challenges this season, Liverpool delivered a dominant performance that has become a hallmark of Jurgen Klopp’s side. The win put pressure on an Everton team that is currently fighting against relegation.
Liverpool opened the scoring in the first half with a breathtaking counter-attack, as Mohamed Salah converted just 18 seconds after Everton had taken a corner at the other end. Klopp would have been pleased with his team’s performance at Anfield. In the second half, January addition Cody Gakpo finally opened his account by tapping in from close range.
Throughout much of the game, Liverpool was in control and didn’t have to push themselves too hard. In a highly anticipated Merseyside derby that often produced intense moments at Anfield, we examine the key takeaways as the Premier League giants claimed bragging rights on their home soil.
While fans around Anfield would have been glad to see £45million January arrival Gakpo open his account on Monday night, Klopp would have been relieved to see his attacking talisman make a timely return to scoring ways.
Finishing off Liverpool’s remarkable counter-attack and opening the scoring nine minutes before the half-time break, Salah certainly appeared to be back to his clinical best at Anfield.
Causing Everton’s leaky defence a host of issues here, the 30-year-old’s goal was the first Premier League strike that Salah has recorded since opening the New Year.
Not getting on a top-flight scoresheet since Liverpool claimed a 3-1 victory away at Aston Villa on Boxing Day, the one-time Chelsea starlet will know that he has a vital role to play in 2023.
While Salah might have only bagged eight Premier League goals this season and endured what has been his most testing spell since arriving at Anfield six years ago, the Egyptian superstar has proven he is still Klopp’s MVP.
