Liverpool's first half power sees off determined Everton in derby - 5 talking points

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Ryan Gravenberch superbly opened the scoring at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool made it five from five in their Premier League title defence as the Reds held off a determined Everton to win the Merseyside derby at a wet Anfield.

The Reds dominated the early exchanges and opened the scoring with a superb finish from Ryan Gravenberch following Mo Salah's lofted pass, before the impressive Gravenberch turned provider when he teed up Hugo Ekitike for a well-taken second before the half hour mark.

The hosts then allowed their near neighbours back into it though, and after impressive work from Jack Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye teed up Idrissa Gueye to fire home.

Liverpool would hold on though, ensuring they beat their rivals at Anfield for the fifth season in a row.

Here are the game's main talking points.

Ryan Gravenberch's stunning strike opened the scoring(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Goals were the one thing missing from Gravenberch's superb campaign last season, but now the Dutchman is adding them then he really is becoming the complete midfielder.

After his bolt from the blue at Newcastle came this spectacular derby day strike which opened the scoring in the grandest manner.

He's such an athletic, almost balletic figure, and he's arguably Liverpool's most important player.

Hugo Ekitike fired in Liverpool's second(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Since the line-up for the Atletico Madrid game was announced and had Alexander Isak's name in it there has been plenty of attention on Ekitike.

Never mind Isak, there is a real talent here.

Jack Grealish was up against Conor Bradley(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Everton grew into the first half the longer it went on, and Jack Grealish would be key to absolutely everything they did going forward.

This helped set the tone for the Blues, and they deserved their way back into the game.

Idrissa Gueye, left, pulled one back for Everton(Image: AP)

Yet again Liverpool went 2-0 up only to see their standards drop, and Everton were full value for the goal that got them back into the game from Gueye, which of course Grealish had a huge hand in.

It was another case of Liverpool knocking off, but credit too must be given to an Everton side who seem to have a new belief from recent visits to Anfield.

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