Ryan Gravenberch‘s exceptional form continued with a goal and an assist in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at home to Everton, with fellow goalscorer Hugo Ekitike also impressing.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
Premier League (5) | Anfield
September 20, 2025
Goals: Gravenberch 10′, Ekitike 29′; Gueye 58′
Alisson (out of 10) – 7
For large periods, Alisson wasn’t called upon, but he produced a number of solid punches as Everton looked to threaten from set-pieces.
His distribution wasn’t always the best, but the No. 1 was largely reliable and could do nothing about Idrissa Gueye’s goal.
Conor Bradley – 7
Bradley was preferred to Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, with his Merseyside derby experience arguably giving him the edge.
The Northern Irishman enjoyed a great tussle with Jack Grealish, more than holding his own and showing a feisty side to his game.
Not perfect, with Grealish causing him problems, but he put in a great shift.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Konate’s form has been much improved after a slow start to the season, and he was largely strong this time out.
He helped keep both Beto and Thierno Barry quiet, putting his physicality to good use, and while there was the odd sloppy pass, he was a dominant figure.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
Van Dijk is as good as ever and this was again the skipper at his imperious best.
Liverpool’s captain was near faultless in everything he did, winning aerial duels and leading by example, also bringing calm during a tense ending.
He is as influential as any player in Europe.
Milos Kerkez – 7
Kerkez got the nod over Andy Robertson – a decision not everyone would have agreed with – and he fully justified his selection.
The Hungarian was tenacious, but did so with a sensible head, and he drove forward at pace to add an extra dimension to the attack.
Not great for Gueye’s goal, falling over at the back post, but did some vital late defending.
Ryan Gravenberch – 9 (Man of the Match)
Gravenberch has been in wonderful form this season and this was his most memorable display of the campaign yet.
The Dutchman steered a perfect half-volleyed finish past Jordan Pickford to open the scoring, before assisting Ekitike for Liverpool’s second goal.
A joy to watch throughout, and one of the world’s best midfielders at the moment.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Mac Allister came back into the team in search of some improved rhythm, but he again looked off the pace by his high standards.
The Argentine did keep things ticking over nicely, allowing the Reds to boss the midfield battle, but his influence does feel lacking.
Replaced just after the hour mark.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
After excelling at right-back and in a deeper midfield position this season, Szoboszlai returned to his previous No. 10 role.
Overall, he was less influential than his recent standards, but as is the norm, he worked his socks off and played a key role in Ekitike’s goal.
Mohamed Salah – 7
Salah was back to somewhere close to his best against Atletico Madrid, and he was a thorn in Everton‘s side on Saturday.
The 33-year-old teed up Gravenberch for his goal with a trademark clipped pass into the penalty area, before curling wide soon after.
Salah’s hold-up play was superb at times – as per usual, he wasn’t awarded numerous free-kicks when fouled – and he feels like he is coming back into form.
Cody Gakpo – 6
Gakpo’s form has led to some criticism of late, even though he has been far from poor, and he was the quietest of Liverpool’s attackers.
His directness was an asset, even if his end product wasn’t always there, and his work ethic couldn’t be faulted.
A little more is needed though.
Hugo Ekitike – 8
After having to settle for a place on the bench at home to Atletico, Ekitike came back into the team at the expense of Alexander Isak.
The Frenchman rewarded his selection emphatically, scoring his fourth goal with a precise finish through Pickford’s legs.
His touch and intelligence were similar to Roberto Firmino at times, which is the ultimate compliment, and he received a warm ovation when he came off.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones (on for Mac Allister, 61′) – 7
Bit into tackles and used the ball well.
Florian Wirtz (on for Gakpo, 61′) – 6
Couldn’t get into the game and lost the ball cheaply once – but some good thrown in, too.
Alexander Isak (on for Ekitike, 67′) – 6
Relatively quiet but showed some clever movement.
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Robertson, Frimpong, Endo, Ngumoha
Arne Slot – 7
This was a third Merseyside derby for Slot and he will have hoped for a big performance from his team.
He got exactly that in the opening 30 minutes, with Liverpool in free-flowing mood, playing with great confidence and freedom.
Slot’s decision to leave Wirtz and Isak was justified, with the likes of Bradley and Kerkez also repaying his faith while Ekitike thrived off the challenge up front.
That said, Liverpool were once again complacent and lacking tempo when leading 2-0, which needs to be worked on.
Still…five wins out of five!
