Liverpool got back to winning ways and did it comfortably, beating Sean Dyche’s Everton 2-0 in a classic Merseyside derby.

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool in the first half after finishing off a brilliant counter-attack led by Darwin Nunez, scoring in the league for the first time in 2023.

Cody Gakpo then doubled their lead shortly after the break and scored his first goal in Liverpool colours, tapping the ball in at the back post from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s precise cross.

The win moves Liverpool up into ninth place, just seven points off fifth with games in hand on many above them.

Whereas Everton are left in the relegation battle at the foot of the table, one point off Leeds in 17th.

Here is how the players rated at Anfield:

  • Liverpool

Alisson - 5/10

Seem's like a harsh rating but it is simply because he had nothing to do. Claimed a few crosses and looked comfortable on the ball, but wasn't tested by any of the Everton players.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7/10

Had more freedom to attack and showed clear signs of improvement. Assisted Gakpo brilliantly and was solid defensively when rarely challenge.

Joe Gomez - 6/10

Did not have a lot to do but he marked Simms out of the game and put his physicality to good use.

Joel Matip - 6/10

Had a few nervy moments at the beginning but once he settled he was solid. Wanted to step into midfield and bring the ball forward which helped start the attacks.

Andy Robertson - 7/10

A brilliant performance that the home fans will love. Showed real grit and determination down the left and linked up well with Nunez. Started the attack for the second goal by driving forward with the ball and got the crowd going after his tussle with Pickford.

Fabinho - 7/10

Much better from the Brazilian and his confidence grew as the game went on. Broke up the play when needed and did the simple things well.

Jordan Henderson - 7/10

Brought real energy and determination to the midfield that was loved by the Kop. Put in a few good tackles and proved why he is the captain.

Stefan Bajcetic - 9/10

It was his fifth successive start and proved why Klopp has faith in him. He was excellent with possession and showed nice touches in tight areas. Won himself the man of the match award in his first Merseyside derby and will have a bright career ahead if he carries on performing like that.

Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside Via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside Via Getty Images

 

Mohamed Salah - 8/10

He has gone missing in recent games but he turned up in one of the biggest. Gave Mykolenko real problems down the right and scored Liverpool's first following a quick counter.

Cody Gakpo - 7/10

Missed a good chance in the first half from a header but showed some promising signs early on. Following his first goal for the club he put on a brilliant display and showed why Liverpool signed him with his direct running and composure on the ball.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

 

Darwin Nunez - 8/10

Started off the counter-attack for the first goal and showed composure to find Salah in the middle. Caused problems yet again with his turn of pace and ability to get in behind a defence.

Substitutes:

Diogo Jota (70') - 5/10

First time on the pitch since playing Manchester City back in October. Didn't have a lot of time to produce anything but important minutes with big games coming up for the Reds.

James Milner (80') - N/A

Roberto Firmino (80') - N/A

Harvey Elliott (90') - N/A

Naby Keita (90') - N/A

 

  • Everton

Jordan Pickford - 5/10

Considering he was at fault for the first goal, the England number one did not have a terrible game. Saved a few decent shots and kept the scoreline respectable.

Seamus Coleman - 5/10

Made a few important interceptions and tackles but had a tough time up against the speed of Liverpool's attack.

James Tarkowski - 6/10

Almost put Everton in front but he saw his header hit the woodwork and set up Liverpool for the counter. Was sloppy in possession on a few occasions but made some key interceptions and had a decent game.

Conor Coady - 4/10

A return to Anfield to forget for Coady. Was at fault for the second when he let the ball run across goal only for Gakpo to tap it in at the back post. Made a few poor tackles and eventually picked up a booking after a foul on Bajcetic.

Photo by Alex Dodd- CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Dodd- CameraSport via Getty Images

 

Vitaliy Mykolenko - 4/10

Had a tough game marking Salah and Alexander-Arnold. Didn't know who to pick up and led to him being caught in two minds on numerous occasions.

Amadou Onana - 6/10

Showed a few glimpses of skill and dribbling ability but couldn't get control in the midfield like he did against Arsenal. Eventually subbed off.

Idrissa Gueye - 5/10

Failed to get control of the game and looked past his best. Jumped into a few unnecessary challenges but it did break up the play.

Abdoulaye Doucoure - 5/10

Like his other midfielders, he failed to get into the game and dictate it. Liverpool's certainly dominated it and he got booked late on following a foul out of frustration.

Alex Iwobi - 5/10

Found Davies at the back post late on. But other than that he was forced to defend and never really attacked.

Dwight McNeil - 4/10

A very quiet game for the former Burnley man. Showed a few decent crosses but no one was on the end of them.

Ellis Simms - 5/10

Made a few decent runs in behind early on. But he was isolated up top and did not get much help when he managed to hold the ball up.

Subs:

Demarai Gray (62') - 4/10

Couldn't make an impact off the bench.

Neal Maupay (77') - N/A

Tom Davies (77') - 4/10

Missed a big chance in front of the Kop when he got his head on McNeil's cross. But his off-target effort was his only contribution.

 

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