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

Liverpool made it five from five in their Premier League title defence as the Reds held off a determined Evertonto 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.

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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.

1. Ryan Gravenberch is adding goals now

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. Gravenberch was alert to Salah's superb pass, and the acrobatic nature of his finish took the breath away. He's such an athletic, almost balletic figure, and he's arguably Liverpool's most important player.

2. Hugo Ekitike was never going to sulk

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. The Frenchman was, we were told, supposed to be livid about the arrival of the club record signing, but if he was he's got a funny way of showing it.

To the backdrop of his catchy chant as Reds supporters continue to back him, Ekitike has worked his red socks off since arriving at the club, and this was already a fourth goal for his new club. Never mind Isak, there is a real talent here.

3. Jack Grealish is Everton's superb outlet

Everton grew into the first half the longer it went on, and Jack Grealish would be key to absolutely everything they did going forward. Under near constant surveillance from Conor Bradley, Grealish would welcome every pass sent in his direction.

As well as his quality though, his frustration was also evident. Grealish would repeatedly seek more protection from referee Darren England following the challenges from Bradley, but crucially he kept on getting up and going again. This helped set the tone for the Blues, and they deserved their way back into the game.

4. Liverpool's wobble lets Everton in

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. They felt they could get something from the game, and their response was imressive.

5. Five from five for the unconvincing champions

Another game, another win for Liverpool, and 90 minute performance levels remain a concern it is really is impossible to overstate the importance of the three points even this early in the season.

With Arsenal and Manchester City playing each other tomorrow one of those two will drop points, and if Liverool can stretch ahead while they aren't playing well then it looks ominous for everyone else. They'll surely hit their straps eventually.

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