Gravenberch Conducts Liverpool's Derby Symphony; Everton's Resistance Crumbles Early

Très Divertissant Score Futmetrix: 72/100. A derby defined by Liverpool's suffocating early dominance and Gravenberch's two-touch brilliance, though Everton's second-half rally proved too little, too late.

When the Midfield Maestro Sets the Tone

Ten minutes in, Gravenberch collected possession 40 yards from goal, surged forward with the kind of directness that makes defenders' legs heavy, and finished past the keeper with clinical precision. Liverpool had seized the Balance before Everton had even touched the ball properly. By the 29th minute, the same midfielder orchestrated Hugo Ekitikié's second, a move that felt less like football and more like a training ground exercise executed at match tempo. Two goals, two different skill sets—the goal-scorer's finish and the architect's vision—all from one player.

The Stakes of this Merseyside Derby cut deeper than usual. Liverpool sat atop the table with a perfect five wins; Everton lingered in tenth, desperately searching for consistency. Every touch carried weight. Every mispass felt consequential. Yet Liverpool's 57% possession and 85% pass accuracy suffocated any rhythm Everton might build. The visitors managed just 43% and 76%—the statistical equivalent of drowning in slow motion.

Then came the 58th minute. Gueye's finish, assisted by Ndiaye, wasn't a comeback—it was a consolation. Intensity spiked momentarily as Everton sensed an opening, but Liverpool's defensive structure, anchored by their midfield press, never truly buckled. Tarkowski's 7.7 rating reflected his thankless task: a wall against an avalanche, occasionally impressive but ultimately outmuscled.

Liverpool's expected goals (0.90) to Everton's (0.70) told the story of control without complacency. Three shots on target from 11 attempts suggested clinical finishing rather than wasteful profligacy. No red cards, no VAR chaos, no injury-time heartbreak—just a derby decided by superior execution and early authority. The five yellow cards (two for Liverpool, three for Everton) hinted at frustration rather than malice, the kind of derby edge that burns without scarring.

This wasn't a classic derby. It was a masterclass in Balance destruction—Liverpool imposed their will so completely that Everton's second-half goal felt like an afterthought rather than a turning point. Gravenberch's performance will be dissected for weeks; his ability to influence both ends of the pitch, to create space with a single pass, to finish with composure—that's the kind of midfielder that wins titles, not just derbies.