Glitch in matrix: Liverpool survive and win Merseyside Derby without late goal

A glitch in matrix, some sorcery or whatever the reason is behind this, one thing needs to be said - Liverpool FC have been playing almost the same game this entire season so far! You don't even need to guess what will happen; the script is already written: the Reds open the game superbly, go two goals up, but instead of putting the match to sleep, they concede one or two before the hour mark, and then the party starts.

It was like that against Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Atletico Madrid, and - guess what - the same plot was repeated over and over again this Saturday in pouring rain at Anfield in the Merseyside Derby. At least, until some point.

This time, however, Liverpool managed to hold onto a 2-1 lead and beat Everton, as their manager, David Moyes, failed to win at Anfield again, in his 23rd attempt!

OK, we told you this match was a carbon copy of those ties against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Atleti to some extent, but there were some differences, mainly in key protagonists. This time, Ryan Gravenberch led the Scousers in the magnificent first half with a goal and an assist. The Dutch midfielder broke the deadlock around the 10th-minute mark. He received a ball over the top from Mohamed Salah and put it brilliantly over Jordan Pickford.

Twenty minutes later, Slot's men doubled the lead, as Gravenberch deployed Hugo Ekitike in the attack, who slotted it low past Pickford for 2-0.

At that point - and we're not lying here - we couldn't help but to think - oh, no, not again!

Alas, it happened again, by the script, only not entirely this time.

The Toffees returned from the break looking much better, as excellent Jack Grealish got himself some supporting firepower from other attacking players. On the other hand, Liverpool had become clumsy in possession, giving the ball away far too easily, maybe because Florian Wirtz was benched and Cody Gakpo didn't have the best day in the office. The temperature rose around the hour-mark, with Grealish running riot before Idrisa Gana Gueye firing it immaculately to reduce the gap, 2-1.

Despite a lot of time left on the clock, the Toffees were unable to turn the game around completely, as the Scousers remained unbeaten in their sixth game of the season.

No stoppage - or shall we say Slottage - time goals this time... We'll see how it unfolds in the future.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 5

Saturday

Liverpool - Everton 2-1 (2-0)

/Gravenberch 10, Ekitike 29 - Gueye 58/

17.00: (2.30) Brighton (3.60) Tottenham (3.15)

17.00: (3.40) Burnley (3.50) Nott.Forest (2.25)

17.00: (2.95) West Ham (3.30) Crystal Palace (2.45)

17.00: (2.70) Wolverhampton (3.20) Leeds (2.90)

19.30: (2.80) Man.Utd. (3.75) Chelsea (2.45)

22.00: (2.05) Fulham (3.50) Brentford (3.90)

Sunday

16.00: (2.45) Bournemouth (3.35) Newcastle (2.90)

16.00: (3.60) Sunderland (3.55) Aston Villa (2.15)

18.30: (1.95) Arsenal (3.85) Man.City (3.90)

*** odds are subject to change***