Liverpool player ratings vs Everton: 9/10 dominates Merseyside derby but issue crops up

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

Ryan Gravenberch celebrating his goal for Liverpool.

Arne Slot sprung a surprise by leaving £241m summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz on the bench, but any pre-match chatter was soon put to one side when Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring inside 10 minutes with a clever half-volley from Mohamed Salah’s lob into the box.

Gravenberch then turned provider when a smart combination between the midfield three ended with the Dutchman spotting Hugo Ekitike making a darting run.

However, as they did against Atletico Madrid in midweek, a 2-0 lead saw complacency creep in and Idrissa Gueye halved Everton's deficit with a first-time strike following Ilman Ndiaye's lay-off.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Slot spent the majority of the second half visibly furious at his side for taking their foot off the gas and it is an issue that will concern the Dutchman, despite securing three points and bragging rights over their local rivals.

Here, Express Sport takes a look at how the Liverpool stars fared…

Related articles Federico Chiesa handed Liverpool exit route after being left of squad vs Everton Liverpool boss Arne Slot explains dropping both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz Liverpool player ratings vs Everton

Goalkeeper

Alisson - 6

Had little to do outside of picking the ball out from the back of the net when Gueye scored in a concerning start to the second half.

Defence

Conor Bradley - 6

His battle with Jack Grealish was perhaps the most intriguing of all individual duels on the pitch, and one that Conor Bradley struggled with at times, despite his determination.

Made a crucial back-post clearing header in the 89th minute.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch - 9

His opening goal showed incredible technique to meet the half volley and somehow hook it in the same direction, giving Pickford no chance of saving his effort, having burst forward from midfield.

Not content with one goal contribution, Gravenberch found Ekitike with an inch-perfect through ball and the Frenchman bagged his first Merseyside derby goal.

He was at his confident best, with a few eye-catching flicks to boot.

It’s a good problem to have, but how Slot manages to fit both Ekitike and Isak into a Liverpool team already firing on all cylinders is a conundrum that may well continue all season long.

Cody Gakpo - 6

Ran into trouble far too often and there was little surprise when he was replaced by Wirtz after an hour.

Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch starred against Everton.

(Image: Getty)

Substitutes

Curtis Jones (61') - 6

Brought on to try and wrestle some control back in Liverpool's favour, but he was unable to do so as anxiety continued to creep in on the red half of Merseyside.

Florian Wirtz (61') - 6

Nearly got his first league goal for Liverpool but for Tarkowski powering in with a superb block, having already evaded Vitalii Mykolenko with a dummy.

Alexander Isak (67') - 7

A few neat touches and set up Salah with a clever ball through, but the Egyptian was slightly offside before his close-range attempt was blocked.

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.