Ryan Gravenberch was the star of the show as Liverpool held off an Everton fightback in the Merseyside derby to maintain their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season.
The Dutchman produced a moment of magic to break the deadlock after 10 minutes, running onto Mohamed Salah's bending ball before delightfully half-volleying across Jordan Pickford's goal and into the net - a strike that required significant guile and technique to pull off.
He then turned provider to set up Hugo Ekitike, with the Frenchman calmly slotting past Pickford to vindicate Arne Slot's decision to leave out £125m man Alexander Isak for the derby, who watched Ekitike hit his fourth of the season from the bench.
Everton were able halve the deficit after the break through an emphatic finish from Idrissa Gana Gueye, sparking fears of another surrendered two-goal advantage for Liverpool, but the Reds managed to grit out the victory to make it five wins from five for the league leaders.
Follow live updates from Liverpool v Everton in the Merseyside derby, below
Liverpool v Everton LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
- Liverpool hold off Everton fightback to maintain perfect Premier League start
- 58' GOAL! Idrissa Gana Gueye fires in to halve Everton deficit [LIV 2-1 EVE]
- 29' GOAL! Hugo Ekitike doubles Liverpool's lead with Alexander Isak watching on [LIV 2-0 EVE]
- 10' GOAL! Ryan Gravenberch produces moment of magic to break deadlock [LIV 1-0 EVE]
Liverpool FC 2 - 1 Everton FC
Time to switch over!
17:30 , Will CastleLiverpool’s nail-biting Merseyside derby win kicked off the day of Premier League action, but as the 3pm kick-offs finish up, there’s a mammoth clash down the M62 to sink our teeth into.
Follow The Independent’s live coverage of Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea below, which could have huge ramifications on under-fire boss Ruben Amorim’s future:
Man United v Chelsea live: Premier League team news as Garnacho returns
The flagship triumph of Arne Slot’s reign that made the difference for Liverpool on derby day
17:00 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldNever in the history of English football had a team begun with a more expensive double act on the bench. But perhaps Arne Slot, while his irritation at some of the references to Liverpool’s summer spending has been camouflaged by a smile, illustrated his early success came without buying.
As Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz’s initial taste of the Merseyside derby was as substitutes, Liverpool owed victory to Ryan Gravenberch, the first flagship triumph of Slot’s reign, a player who was not purchased for a nine-figure sum by his compatriot but inherited and reinvented.
Gravenberch was the beneficiary when Liverpool didn’t buy, the man who filled the role envisaged for Martin Zubimendi. If Isak was bought to score goals and Wirtz to create them, Everton were defeated as Gravenberch, for the first time in his Liverpool career, did both in the same game, each long before the £225m duo were introduced. In the process, he maintained Liverpool’s 100 per cent start to the campaign and earned them a first win that did not require a late goal.
Richard Jolly’s report from Anfield:
The triumph of Arne Slot’s reign that made the difference for Liverpool on derby day
Ryan Gravenberch makes history
16:45 , Will CastleRyan Gravenberch, at 23 years and 127 days old, is the youngest ever player to both score and assist for Liverpool in a Premier League Merseyside derby.
Quite crazy to think that he only managed a handful of starts at Bayern Munich before Liverpool took a “gamble” on the Dutchman.
Jack Grealish on his 'hostile' derby experience
16:30 , Will Castle“It was what I expected, coming here it was hostile, faster,” Grealish told TNT Sports.
“I don't think we played well in the first-half, we came in a half-time and had a chat with the manager and then second half, we lost the game in the second half. Frustrating because if we had played like that, pressed like that from the start it would have been a different game. In the end we couldn't get that last goal.
"When I have watched them [Liverpool] this season they have been so good but there has been a few times they have gone 2-0 up and then conceded two, we had the belief. We got the one back, a great finish Idrissa [Gueye] but we couldn't get that last goal."
Liverpool's new fan favourite
16:15 , Will CastleAlexander Isak might be Liverpool’s shiny new toy, but the fans haven’t let the Swede’s arrival hog their love.
Hugo Ekitike hasn’t taken long to win over the Anfield faithful.
🎶 Du du du... Hugo Ekitike 🎶 pic.twitter.com/ndDWoEmbBx
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2025
Hugo Ekitike reflects on first Merseyside derby
16:00 , Will Castle“It’s a very good feeling,” Ekitike told TNT Sports. “We knew it would be a very tough game, it was. We had to fight until the very last minute.
“I feel proud, it was a good test for me. To score my goal and win it at the end, you can just be proud and happy for the team. We just have to keep going.”
Ryan Gravenberch: 'We have more freedom'
15:45 , Will Castle“I’m really happy with the goal,” Gravenberch told TNT Sports. “Last season I did not score a lot so I’m really happy, especially in a Merseyside derby.
“When Mo gets the ball we know he has that pass and that the players on the ball side the space is in behind.
“We know we had three games in seven days, in England it is really tough, but we prepared well.
“The goal we conceded did not need to happen. We were a little bit going back and going for the counter, we had chances to score again but didn’t.
“This season we have more freedom in the midfield, last season I was in the six, deep, but now I can go forward more.”
Liverpool's perfect start
15:30 , Will CastleLiverpool have won each of their opening five matches of a top-flight season for only the fifth time in their history, after 1978/79, 1990/91, 2018/19, and 2019/20.
Convincing or not, the Reds have enjoyed a perfect start.
5 - Liverpool have won each of their opening five matches of a top-flight season for only the fifth time, after 1978-79, 1990-91, 2018-19, and 2019-20. Famous. pic.twitter.com/APtZRy6q6F
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 20, 2025
Ryan Gravenberch's moment of magic
15:15 , Will CastleThis is worth another look. And another. And another.
Ryan Gravenberch with a beauty of a finish to give Liverpool the lead in the Merseyside derby 😍@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/9WguHrhgSA
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 20, 2025
Jack Grealish fumes at referee
15:00 , Will Castle“I’ve never seen a player in my whole life be booked for taking a quick free-kick (referring to caution of Dewsbury-Hall),” Grealish told TNT Sports.
“Even the added time. Three minutes and one minute, come on, I’ve never seen that in the Premier League in the last two or three years.
“I know you want to let play go, but you can’t let one go for us and then the next minute one of their defenders gets touched and goes down.”
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:45 , Will Castle
Hugo Ekitike speaks on Alexander Isak competition
14:39 , Will Castle“He’s a very, very good player,” Ekitike told TNT Sports. “I always watched him before I came here. So him being here is really good, I can learn and improve myself. I know there’s competition but we’re going to play together and make a difference. We will share the pitch.”
When asked if his good performances can give Arne Slot a selection headache, he said: “It’s good, it’s the coach’s problem. I’ll just do my job.”
'Everton can rue their first half-hour'
14:29 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHere’s Richard Jolly at Anfield:
“A Liverpool win without a late goal. Another trip to Anfield without a win for David Moyes. Liverpool probably deserved that victory, not least for Ryan Gravenberch's performance. Everton can rue their first half-hour.”
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:24 , Will CastleJack Grealish was just shown a yellow after the final whistle. Wouldn’t be surprised if he had a problem with the lack of added time there - three minutes seemed pretty sparse.
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:22 , Will CastleWell it didn’t end without Liverpool’s hearts ending up in their mouths - Van Dijk’s late backpass nearly crept past Alisson there - but as the ball gets cleared, Darren England blows his whistle!
Liverpool hold on and stay perfect in the Premier League.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:21 , Will Castle90+4 mins: We’ve had our three additional minutes.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:20 , Will Castle90+3 mins: Salah is caught by Dibling as he kicks the ball away.
The clock is ticking and Liverpool are holding on.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:20 , Will Castle90+2 mins: Nice work from Wirtz to switch the play through Isak and find Szoboszlai in space.
The Hungarian could shoot first time aiming for the far corner but takes his time and wins the corner.
They’ll aim to keep it there.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:17 , Will Castle90 mins: Once again, Kerkez is there to defend at the back post and prevent Grealish’s free-kick from finding O’Brien.
The corner is whipped in deep and Grealish waits for spectacular volley, but doesn’t get it right.
Just the THREE minutes added on.
Jack Grealish's understudy
14:16 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHere’s Richard Jolly inside Anfield:
“Tyler Dibling may have been told to learn from Jack Grealish. He appears to be trying to copy his hair and lack of shinpads. Possibly not the lessons to learn but still.”
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:15 , Will Castle88 mins: Kerkez with a vital touch to prevent a deep cross from finding O’Brien.
Long throw incoming.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:13 , Will Castle85 mins: Everton have five minutes left of normal time to find an equaliser.
They’re making a double change with Alcaraz and Dibling entering the fray. Ndiaye and Mykolenko come off.
Liverpool are holding on but are very much feeling the pressure.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:11 , Will Castle83 mins: Liverpool try and launch Salah in behind but Pickford’s starting position is spot on, coming out and clearing.
His hoof up the field nearly finds Grealish in the Liverpool corner but he can’t keep it in.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:09 , Will Castle82 mins: Wirtz loses out to Ndiaye and cynically holds him back to prevent a counter.
Good tactical foul but he’s rightly booked.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:07 , Will Castle80 mins: Another free-kick for Everton is wasted as Garner tries bending with pace, but it flies wide.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:06 , Will Castle78 mins: That was baffling from Darren England. He’s just booked Dewsbury-Hall for taking a free-kick too quickly.
Time to hedge your bets?
14:03 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHere’s Richard Jolly inside Anfield:
“If the pattern of recent Liverpool games continues, they will concede in the next few minutes, leave it a few and then score dramatically late.”
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:02 , Will Castle74 mins: Szoboszlai tries to recreate his Arsenal stunner from a dead-ball scenario but doesn’t get the dip he needed, firing his free-kick over Pickford’s goal.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
14:01 , Will Castle72 mins: A potentially goal-saving block by Grealish as Van Dijk rises for the header, only for the winger to intervene with his chest.
I’m not sure Pickford was getting there. It would have been a carbon copy of the Atletico winner.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
13:59 , Will Castle71 mins: Liverpool counter from the corner and Wirtz almost gets in with a clear shot at goal, only for Tarkowski to come across with a massive sliding challenge.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
13:58 , Will Castle69 mins: Szoboszlai pulls the shirt of Grealish and enters the book.
Free-kick opportunity for Everton, which is flicked over by Konate for an Everton corner.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
13:56 , Will Castle68 mins: Huge intervention from Jones to prevent Barry potentially having a tap in from Gueye’s low delivery.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
13:55 , Will Castle65 mins: Here comes Liverpool’s £125m man.
It’s a straight swap up top as Ekitike makes way for Isak.
Given Liverpool’s proven struggles to hold onto two-goal advantages, a third would be very much welcomed from the Swede.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
13:53 , Will Castle64 mins: Liverpool deliver a corner, but Darren England is quick to blow his whistle in Everton's favour as bodies hit the floor,
Liverpool 2-1 Everton
13:52 , Will Castle62 mins: Liverpool have shaken things up in midfield.
Wirtz and Jones are on, while Mac Allister and Gakpo make way.
Liverpool's recurring problem
13:49 , Will CastleHere’s Richard Jolly inside Anfield:
“Liverpool have gone 2-0 up in four games this season and not kept a clean sheet in any of them. Idrissa Gueye's goal was Everton's first in their last five trips to Anfield.”
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Everton (Gueye, 58')
13:46 , Will CastleEverton are back in it!
Grealish is at the heart of things once again as his deep cross is well laid back to Gueye by Ndiaye, who blasts into the top corner. Nothing Alisson could have done to stop that.
Yet again, a 2-0 lead is not a safe lead for Liverpool.
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:45 , Will Castle56 mins: CHANCE! Liverpool counter as Gakpo lofts a ball towards Salah in space.
The Egyptian brings it down beautifully, controlling back across himself onto his left foot, but he can’t get power on the shot.
This game is stretching.
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:44 , Will Castle55 mins: All of Everton’s good is coming through Grealish, who sparks a nice move that leads to Dewsbury-Hall receiving the ball in the box.
Konate closes the Englishman down enough and blocks the resulting effort.
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:42 , Will Castle54 mins: First decent move for Liverpool of the second period as Ekitike drifts in from the left and fires from the edge of the box, similar to how he broke his Liverpool duck in the Community Shield.
It’s blocked and comes out to Salah, whose cross towards the Frenchman has too much on it.
'Liverpool's most dangerous scoreline'
13:40 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHere’s Richard Jolly inside Anfield:
“If 2-0 is the most dangerous scoreline in football, it has certainly looked that way for Liverpool this season. Will it again? This could be a chance to see a game out with few alarms. Or, indeed, to score a third. They haven't tested how dangerous a 3-0 lead can be so far this season.”
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:39 , Will Castle50 mins: Very sloppy start to the second half, with neither side able to keep the ball.
It’s a comedy of errors at the moment.
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:34 , Will Castle46 mins: Beautiful flick from Ekitike over a dumfounded Keane gets a big reaction from Anfield seconds after the restart.
He’s brimming with confidence.
BACK UNDERWAY! Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:33 , Will CastleAnd we’re off again!
One change to note for Everton - Beto has been replaced by summer signing Thierno Barry.
The teams are back out...
13:32 , Will CastleWe’re about to get back underway at Anfield.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:25 , Will CastleRyan Gravenberch, take a bow.
Ryan Gravenberch with a beauty of a finish to give Liverpool the lead in the Merseyside derby 😍@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/9WguHrhgSA
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 20, 2025
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:24 , Will CastleHALF-TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:22 , Will CastleEverton enjoyed a good spell of pressure at the end of the first half - it will be interesting to see if they come out for the second in the same stead.
After all, Liverpool and 2-0 advantages haven’t had a great relationship so far this season...
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:19 , Will CastleThere goes the whistle!
Liverpool are in control in the derby thanks to two wonderful goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:18 , Will Castle45+1 mins: CHANCE! Grealish gets to the byline and pulls it back to Gueye, but he gets the finish wrong - hitting it into the ground and allowing Alisson to save comfortably.
Everton could’ve nicked one back on the brink of half-time there.
'Everton pushing wide players further forward'
13:14 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHere’s Richard Jolly inside Anfield:
“Everton have started to push their wide players, Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, a little further forward in their attempts to get back into the game (and, perhaps, in their attempts to test the recalled Milos Kerkez after his unconvincing start to life at Liverpool). Their best chance of a comeback may lie on the flanks.”
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:13 , Will Castle41 mins: Liverpool getting a bit complacent, with both Van Dijk and Konate giving the ball away with slack passes before Gakpo gives away a foul.
Everton lump it into the box from halfway but Alisson comes out to punch.
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:09 , Will Castle37 mins: Poor Alisson clearance sparks an opportunity for Everton as Ndiaye delivers a dangerous ball to Beto, who just got in front of the ball and can only hook high and wide.
Liverpool are in control here, but a quick reminder that the Reds have thrown away three two-goal leads already this season.
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
13:06 , Will Castle33 mins: Alexander Isak being Arne Slot’s first-choice number nine is far from a foregone conclusion.
Hugo Ekitike has had an instant impact up top for the Reds and while he definitely doesn’t deserve to be dropped, he also doesn’t deserve to be moved out to the left.
The Frenchman is smashing it at the moment.
'Arne Slot's decision to bench Alexander Isak is rewarded'
13:02 , Will CastleHere’s Richard Jolly inside Anfield:
“Hugo Ekitike's name was ringing around Anfield even before he scored. It has done again now. It was a fine finish and, in an instant, Slot's decision to bench Isak is rewarded. Over the next few years, that may come to seem a typical Ekitike goal.”
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Everton (Ekitike, 29')
13:00 , Will CastleWho would drop Hugo Ekitike in this form?!
With Alexander Isak watching on from the bench, Ekitike gets his fourth goal of the season, slotting brilliantly past Pickford after Gravenberch turned provider to set him up.
Liverpool double their lead!
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
12:59 , Will Castle28 mins: Kerkez is brought down by Ndiaye, who earns the first caution of the game.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
12:58 , Will Castle27 mins: CLOSE! A big chance for Everton created by Grealish, who turns his man before slipping Dewsbury-Hall into the box.
The midfielder tries blasting in at the near post but fires just over.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
12:56 , Will Castle23 mins: Liverpool counter from an Everton corner and should do better with a man over.
A blue body does well to block the delivery that comes in, but it nevertheless falls kindly for Gakpo, who gets his volley completely wrong as he the ball into the ground. It bounces over for a goal kick.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
12:55 , Will Castle22 mins: Heart-in-mouth moment for Liverpool as Beto comes inches away from latching on to Gueye’s through ball in behind.
A first warning sign that Everton can indeed threaten themselves.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
12:53 , Will Castle20 mins: Anfield comes together to pay tribute to Diogo Jota as the 20-minute mark hits, as they will for every game this season.
Jota got a vital winner in this fixture last season, one that put the Reds on course for their 20th title.
Anfield erupts in applause during the 20th minute of the Merseyside Derby in memory of Diogo Jota ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hHrg7AXmZB
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 20, 2025
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
12:51 , Will Castle18 mins: It’s been a dominant start by Liverpool, who are peppering the Everton box with deliveries at the moment.
One ball goes through to Bradley, whose effort is well blocked by Mykolenko.
Ryan Gravenberch's match made in heaven with Mohamed Salah
12:49 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHere’s Richard Jolly inside Anfield:
“Ryan Gravenberch was terrific against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. He combined with Mohamed Salah for a goal then and has done again. The difference is that this time Gravenberch is the scorer, with a superbly-timed run into the box and a lofted finish.”
Liverpool 1-0 Everton
12:47 , Will Castle15 mins: CLOSE! Salah nearly bags a stunner of his own as he gets it onto his left foot and bends just over the top left corner.
That was trademark Salah.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Everton (Gravenberch, 10')
12:41 , Will CastleWHAT A FINISH FROM RYAN GRAVENBERCH!
It’s absolutely wonderful from the Dutchman, who runs onto Salah’s bending ball into the box and deftly half-volleys across the face of Pickford and into the net.
The guile and technique to pull that off. He is some footballer.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
12:40 , Will Castle9 mins: This has been a patient start from the Reds.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
12:39 , Will Castle7 mins: Half-chance for Liverpool as an attempted clearance from a Salah cross loops towards Gakpo at the far post, but under the pressure of O’Brien, he completely miskicks his volley.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
12:36 , Will Castle5 mins: Good defending by Kerkez who has to win the ball twice to quell Ndiaye. He has a point to prove after being hooked before half-time last week.
Up the other end, Salah drives forward with Bradley in support but can’t get the pass right.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
12:34 , Will Castle3 mins: Ekitike robs Gueye on the edge of Everton’s final third, putting it out wide to Salah.
Salah tries to find the Frenchman with a cross but it’s cleared before Liverpool concede a foul.
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
12:33 , Will Castle2 mins: The early Saturday kick-off can often fall victim to a lack of atmosphere. Doubt that will a problem in this one.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Everton
12:31 , Will CastleThe Merseyside derby is... UNDERWAY!
Tributes to Bobby Graham and Joey Jones
12:31 , Will CastleThe teams gather around the centre circle to pay tribute to two former Liverpool players who we sadly lost recently.
A period of appreciation for both Bobby Graham and Joey Jones is overseen.
The teams are out
12:28 , Will CastleThe players enter the Anfield cauldron for the 247th Merseyside derby. Always a special occasion.
Closing in on kick-off
12:25 , Will CastleJust five minutes until we get underway at Anfield.
Anything can happen on derby day and while Liverpool are five wins from five, their lack of conviction will give Everton hope that they can cause an upset today.
Stay tuned for all the action!
Arne Slot on why Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were dropped
12:22 , Will CastleArne Slot speaking to TNT Sports on Alexander Isak:
"Normally when you don't play a player I don't think there is any player that says, 'Ok I understand your decision', ok maybe they understand it but they may have made a different one themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if you ask him today that he would say it's the best choice for him not to start, but of course it is about match fitness. It was good to see him play for an hour in midweek, let's see how many minutes he can make today."
Arne Slot on Florian Wirtz:
"The same thinking as Mac Allister on the bench against Atletico. Like I said it's three games in seven days, not in eight days, this is Sunday, Wednesday then Saturday. This is one of the most intense games that we have to play, so we try to manage it during Burnley and Atletico.
"For today I think Szoboszlai, who played both of those games as well, is more used to the intensity of the Premier League and this programme than Florian is coming from Germany. So it's only to do with so many games in limited time. I think he will feature, but not from the start."
David Moyes' miserable Anfield run
12:20 , Jamie BraidwoodDavid Moyes has never won a Premier League match at Anfield in 20 attempts (D6 L14) – the joint most any manager has managed at one stadium without winning, along with Moyes at Stamford Bridge (D7 L13).
Moyes has lost each of his last nine at Anfield (one with Man Utd, one with Sunderland, six with West Ham, one with Everton).
David Moyes on the Merseyside derby
12:17 , Will Castle"All derbies, any rivalry from a major city is huge,” Moyes told TNT Sports. “I come from the big city of Glagow where Celtic against Rangers is huge. I'm in Merseyside now and would like to win a few more here, so let's hope that starts today.
"I have got a lot of belief that the players are in a good position and good form. Hopefully we can show it."
"Most of the time over my career I've had to fight against Liverpool who've spent much more and had a lot more going for them than we have. My biggest memories here was finishing above them a couple of times before I left (after his first tenure)."
Arne Slot speaks on his team selection
12:15 , Will CastleWhen asked whether the short turnaround from Atletico impacted his line-up, Slot told TNT Sports: “Yes, but that was not only the thinking for today, that also happened in midweek. Against Atletico you didn't see Mac Allister or Bradley, two players that didn't have the best pre-season, so we knew from the start, three games in seven days, with the third one being the most intense.
"We needed players that were going to be ready for this game and going to be fit enough for the intensity of the game from the start. That is what we tried to do throughout every line-up we have made against Burnley and Atletico for us to be ready for this game."
Pre-match preparations
12:12 , Will Castle
Liverpool's recent home record against Everton
12:10 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool have lost just one of their last 28 home games against Everton in all competitions (W17 D10), winning each of their last four in a row since a 0-2 defeat in February 2021, which came behind closed doors.
Everton's Beto remembers Jota's help: 'He was the first guy who texted me'
12:00 , Jamie BraidwoodEverton striker Beto insists he will be respectful to Anfield on his return two months after laying flowers in memory of Diogo Jota on a day when he witnessed first-hand the togetherness of the city’s two clubs.
The Lisbon-born 27-year-old was part of a Toffees delegation which paid their tributes following the shocking news of the death of the Liverpool forward in July.
It was particularly poignant for Beto as Jota was the first person to make contact with him when he secured his move to Everton in August 2023.
“We were not friends, but you know, when you play against Portuguese players and everything, we normally speak a little bit,” said the striker.
“You have Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, these guys, but when I signed for Everton, he (Jota) was the first guy who texted me.
“He just said: ‘I’m happy for you. If you need anything on the city, everything, I can help you, just give me a shout’.
Everton striker Beto expecting different Anfield welcome from his last visit
Liverpool v Everton: Last time they met at Anfield
11:50 , Jamie BraidwoodThere is a poignancy to Liverpool’s meeting with rivals Everton today, in that Diogo Jota was the match-winner the last time these teams met at Anfield.
Jota scored the winner in a 1-0 Liverpool victory in early April that helped Arne Slot’s side closer to the Premier League title.
Getting in the derby mood
11:45 , Will Castle
'We have to fight for everything we can'
11:40 , Jamie BraidwoodEverton produced one of their greatest ever Merseyside derby displays to hold Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Goodison last season.
David Moyes says the Toffees have to be realistic about what to expect against the champions, but emphasised they would need to fight again.
"We are up against it and we have to go there and fight for everything we can,” Moyes said.
"It's having a realism of where the games are and where the clubs are. I need to try to shorten the gulf between the two clubs.
"At the moment Liverpool are champions, probably favourites or second favourites for the Champions League, and we are not.
"We are Everton, who have just come out of three or four difficult seasons and are trying to rebuild. Trying to bridge that gap is quite difficult to do."
'Liverpool's £225m double act are in reserve'
11:34 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHere’s Richard Jolly inside Anfield:
“Arne Slot has put the two most expensive signings in Liverpool’s history on the bench. So Wirtz and Isak are a £225m double act in reserve. Everton do pick a £100m man, even if they didn't buy Jack Grealish.”
Arne Slot craves 'calm and control' from his Liverpool team
11:30 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool head coach Arne Slot admits he would like to see his side be more composed in games but cannot fault their mentality in finding a way to win.
"We've only played five games so it's difficult to see something for the long term in it," said Slot.
"We've given away 2-0 leads three times and it's completely different how we gave away the goals. Bournemouth was counter-attacks, I don't think Atletico scored counter-attacking goals.
"It's not ideal to have a 2-0 lead and give it away so we have to improve but the positive thing is if we feel the urgency again we are able to score a goal.
"This is definitely something we talk about, the 2-0 lead, because you can run out of energy at the end of the season if every game mentally and physically you have to go all the way to the end to win a game of football.
"It's never a good idea to keep on doing it but if we need it I still hope we can do it."
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz dropped
11:26 , Will CastleArne Slot has opted to drop Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz on the bench after both started and impressed in the midweek Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
The decision sees Hugo Ekitike regain his starting spot up top, while Dominik Szoboszlai is moved back into the 10 after a commendable spell at right-back. Milos Kerkez also starts after being hooked before half-time against Burnley.
Everton, meanwhile, make one change from the side that drew to Aston Villa, with Vitalii Mykolenko coming into the side in place of Tim Iroegbunam.
Jack Grealish, who has been a revelation since his loan signing from Man City, will be one to watch on the left.
Team news!
11:17 , Will CastleLiverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Beto.
Merseyside derby team news is IN! 🔴 #LIVEVE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2025
Your derby day Toffees! 👊🔵 pic.twitter.com/4pz6ItJ79B
— Everton (@Everton) September 20, 2025
Liverpool v Everton team news and line-ups
11:10 , Jamie Braidwood... will be confirmed from Anfield in the next few minutes.
Virgil van Dijk calls for Liverpool to make life easier
11:00 , Jamie BraidwoodVirgil van Dijk accepts Liverpool are making things unnecessarily difficult for themselves and must improve to avoid having to repeat their trick of scoring late winners.
“I think it was a little bit unnecessary. But Atletico are a team who never give up and have a lot of quality. Then we showed again the resilience we have shown for a couple of years,” said Van Dijk.
“We don’t want to come into a situation where we have to chase. You have to try to go for the win and I think we had the opportunities to kill the game and do better.
“But it is still progress, we are still learning and I am pretty confident we are going to get there.”
David Moyes not envious of Liverpool's spending compared to Everton's
10:40 , Jamie BraidwoodDavid Moyes is not envious of Merseyside derby rivals Liverpool's huge summer transfer business but pointed out they spent more on one player than Everton have invested in their squad in the last two seasons.
Alexander Isak's £125m arrival from Newcastle on deadline day broke the British transfer record and took the outlay at Anfield this summer to £450m. By contrast, Everton spent about £63m.
"You have to earn the right to (spend money). First of all you have to win and be in the big competitions which make the money," said Moyes.
"I found at West Ham three years in Europe allowed us to spend money and bring money in.
"From that point of view I think Liverpool are entitled to do it. I heard Arne (Liverpool boss Slot) defending himself saying he's brought in a lot of money as well.
"But I still think they've spent more on one player than we have on the whole squad."
Liverpool have shown some 'vulnerability' this season, says Moyes
10:20 , Jamie BraidwoodEverton manager David Moyes said taking on Liverpool had always been a difficult task for him, but he was aware that the defending champions have some vulnerabilities ahead of the Merseyside derby.
Moyes, who has won only six of the 44 matches he has faced against Liverpool in his managerial career, said the visit to Anfield would help gauge Everton's quality after his team picked up seven points in their first four league matches.
"As much as Liverpool have shown at different times where they have been very good ... other times they have shown some vulnerability when they have conceded goals," Moyes said.
"We will have to try and take advantage of those moments as well. We played them last year at Anfield and lost to an offside goal and we want to try and run them close again and maybe this time things will go in our favour."
Arne Slot keeps cards close to chest when discussing Alexander Isak fitness
10:00 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool manager Arne Slot kept his cards close to his chest on the possibility of Alexander Isak starting the Merseyside derby against Everton, saying Britain's record signing is likely still feeling the effects of his long-awaited return to action.
The Sweden striker played an hour of Wednesday's 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in his first significant action in months due to his dispute with Newcastle United and prolonged move to Liverpool.
"We just have to see how they all feel," Slot said. "All I know is Alex probably felt his body more than ever before after the 60 minutes he played, so let's see how he recovered today, then we will see about the lineup later today and you will see tomorrow."
The derby test Liverpool must conquer to protect remarkable habit
09:40 , Richard JollyThe Reds have had their composure tested against Everton in recent years, with their most recent late show, against Atletico Madrid, reinforcing Arne Slot’s momentum this term
The derby test Liverpool must conquer to protect remarkable habit
What is the Everton team news?
09:33 , Jamie BraidwoodEverton will be missing Jarrad Branthwaite with a hamstring injury. Vitaliy Mykolenko is also a doubt having missed their last outing, a goalless draw with Aston Villa.
What is the Liverpool team news?
09:32 , Jamie BraidwoodAlexander Isak is again unlikely to play the full 90 minutes, after Arne Slot cautioned against pushing him too hard following his summer on strike for Newcastle. Curtis Jones is available for Liverpool, with Slot confirming he has a fully fit squad to select from.
When is Liverpool vs Everton?
09:31 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool host Everton on Saturday 20 September, with kick-off at 12.30pm.
How can I watch it?
Viewers can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, as well as on the streaming platform discovery+.
Welcome
09:30 , Jamie BraidwoodReigning champions Liverpool have made a 100 per cent winning start to their Premier League title defence, but face fierce opposition from resurgent rivals Everton in an intriguing Merseyside derby this weekend.
Mohamed Salah’s 95th-minute penalty spared Liverpool’s blushes against Burnley last weekend, while David Moyes’ side continued a strong start to the season with a goalless draw against Aston Villa.
Liverpool have won their last four meetings with the Toffees at home and will be desperate to avoid their first loss of the season coming against the old enemy.
