AnalysisFive talking points from Merseyside derby victory
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Mohamed Salah’s first-half effort coupled with a Cody Gakpo goal following the half-time interval handed Jürgen Klopp’s men the spoils.
Here are five talking points from the Anfield contest…
Klopp’s 250th Reds win
A first Premier League win of 2023 for the Reds came in timely fashion on derby night.
Liverpool moved their tally onto 117 games unbeaten when leading in the Premier League at the half-time interval.
It was an impressive performance from Klopp’s men on a night when much-needed points and bragging rights were on the line for both teams.
A dominant display reflected in the scoreline, with the Reds moving through the gears to hold the Blues at arm’s length after the opener.
Alisson Becker kept his sixth clean sheet in eight derby outings, while the win landed Klopp a place in the history books.
The Reds boss brought up his 250th victory across all competitions in his 414th match in charge, reaching the achievement quicker than the previous three managers to do so - Bob Paisley (448), Bill Shankly (472) and Tom Watson (539).
Nunez, Nunez, Nunez
Darwin Nunez proved to be a thorn in the side of the Blues throughout the contest.
The forward’s strength, mobility and speed caused the visiting backline problems during a busy contest for the Uruguay international.
His presence finally made the difference when he provided a decisive breakaway, utilising his pace to hit the hosts amid a swift counter-attack.
Everton struck the post through James Tarkowski at a corner, but just 13 seconds later were picking the ball out of their own net.
Nunez set off and ran and ran and ran before playing an inch-perfect pass across to Salah to open the scoring with a deft finish into the goal.
After the break he continued to drive Liverpool forward working a number of chances, deserving his 69th-minute standing ovation from the home crowd upon his departure from the contest.
Salah’s Anfield ton
Thanks to his opening effort, Salah brought up his 100th Premier League goal involvement at Anfield, becoming the third Liverpool player to do so behind Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard.
He reached the tally in just 104 appearances for the Reds in L4, having scored 71 times while providing 29 assists on home soil in that period.
The Egyptian King’s effort was his 18th of the 2022-23 season across all competitions.
Gakpo opens Reds account
It has been a steady opening period to Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool career having signed in early January.
The forward, though, had cause for celebration as he recorded his first Premier League victory along with opening his goalscoring account.
The Netherlands international became the first player to record a first goal for either side in a Merseyside derby since Raul Meireles in January 2011.
Gakpo visibly grew in confidence in the wake of his effort, darting on to the end of a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold after a slick move to score in the 49th minute.
Landmark appearances
Andy Robertson and Fabinho both brought up an individual Liverpool landmark in the derby victory.
Robertson made his 250th appearance for the club, while Fabinho himself moved onto a tally of 200.
The pair marked the occasion in style, aiding the win on a special evening for both.
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