🏆 Liverpool’s Dominance in the Merseyside Derby

On October 21, 2023, Liverpool claimed victory in the Merseyside Derby against Everton, securing a 2-0 win at Anfield in the opening match of the ninth round of the Premier League. The star Egyptian player, Mohamed Salah, shone brightly, scoring both goals for Liverpool in the 75th minute (from a penalty kick) and the 97th minute.

With this hard-fought win, Liverpool climbed to the top of the Premier League table with 20 points, tied with Tottenham and Arsenal but leading on goal difference. Meanwhile, Everton remained in 16th place with just 7 points.

⚽ Liverpool’s Early Dominance

The match began with Everton creating an early opportunity in the second minute when Dwight McNeil delivered a cross that Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed towards Alisson Becker’s goal. Liverpool’s counter-attacks were threatening, with Dominic Solanke and Luis Diaz having their attempts blocked.

Liverpool had a significant chance in the 27th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass found Salah, who attempted a left-footed shot that missed the target.

⚠️ Ashley Young’s Red Card

In the 37th minute, Everton suffered a significant setback when Ashley Young received his second yellow card, leading to his dismissal from the game. This gave Liverpool a numerical advantage for the majority of the match.

🥅 Salah’s Penalty and Late Goal

Liverpool’s determination to open the scoring paid off early in the second half when Salah successfully converted a penalty in the 75th minute, following a VAR-awarded handball by Everton’s Michael Keane.

In the dying moments of regular time, Liverpool’s substitute, Harvey Elliott, attempted a long-range shot, which Everton’s goalkeeper, Ben Pickford, managed to tip onto the crossbar. The ball fell to another substitute, Darwin Nunez, who unselfishly passed it to Salah, sealing the victory with a goal in the 97th minute.

🔥 Salah’s Merseyside Derby Excellence

Mohamed Salah continued his exceptional performance against Everton, contributing to eight goals in ten Premier League matches against them, including seven goals and one assist. Only Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has scored more goals against Everton for the Reds, with nine to his name.

📈 Liverpool’s Defensive Record

Liverpool’s win also marked their fourth consecutive clean sheet against Everton in the Premier League, a record that hadn’t been achieved since April 1976, spanning nine matches.

🌟 Salah’s Stellar Year

In the calendar year 2023, Mohamed Salah has been a standout performer in the Premier League, contributing to a remarkable 31 goals (19 goals and 12 assists) in 31 matches. He has failed to score or provide an assist in just one Premier League match this year.

Liverpool’s victory and Salah’s outstanding performance in the Merseyside Derby have put them in a strong position in the Premier League, demonstrating their title aspirations for the season.