Liverpool kept their perfect start Premier League with a tense 2-1 win over Everton at Anfield, but while the points were secured, the performance left fans divided, Softfootball reports.
Ryan Gravenberch’s opener and Hugo Ekitike’s clinical finish put the Reds in control before Idrissa Gana Gueye pulled one back for the Toffees, ensuring a nervy finish under the lights at Anfield. As always in the Merseyside derby, the emotions spilled over online, with both sets of supporters sharing their frustrations, warnings, and hopes.
Liverpool fans: Winning, but not convincing
Many Reds supporters expressed concern about the team’s inability to fully control games after going 2-0 up.
A fan amirshabib said;
Three points but we need to improve. Should be a cleansheet and we need to kill games off earlier with 2-0 leads,
Another echoed similar worries about complacency, awalaale added:
A win is a win, but sincerely we need to do better in maintaining a lead… we seemed too calm in the second half, sloppy in passing, slow in decision-making. We can be really good, but we need to solve our problems quickly
Salah, Wirtz, and attacking balance questioned
While Ekitike grabbed the headlines, Mohamed Salah’s performance came under scrutiny a fan endee football claimed;
Decent win but Liverpool should’ve cashed in on Salah last summer. His influence has dropped off and he’s added little so far this season
As usual getting a victory in a derby isnt always easy, Liverpool fans at the anfield were absolutely buzzing and chanting Hugo Ekitike name after the full time whistle, this was posted by Liverpool on their offical X handle, after the game, see video below;
Meanwhile, the growing hype around Florian Wirtz had some fans making tongue-in-cheek remarks, hollamuyiwa joked;
When are we going to start having conversations about 150 Million Wirtz? It appears bro will extend this 007 record
Others like wallacollombo pointed to squad balance issues, recalling Klopp’s famous front three, he stated;
It’s not Hugo or Isak, it’s both!! Slot better start putting on his thinking cap. Under Klopp, we had Mane, Firmino, and Salah. Get the balance right. And get Wirtz to work on his confidence; he appears too shy
Midfield and defence concerns
Despite Gravenberch’s man-of-the-match display, fans still called out areas of weakness. bravotechmediaX lamented;
Gravenberch was the star of the day but our midfield disappeared in the second half. Macca & Gakpo need to improve. Then Bradley – why on earth was he playing today? He’s the liability to the team!
After the stellar performance from Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, the dutch who provided a goal and assist helping the Reds to a 2-1 win on the night was voted the player of the game by Liverpool fans, this was confirmed by Liverpool as the team made a post by it official X handle, stating that the in form midfielder has won the award, see post below;
Defensive frailties also drew sharp criticism. john fountine noted;
Message for Arne… sort out the defence now. It is no good having a forward line that can score goals if we are letting in as many goals. Our great teams were built from the back
Everton fans: Missed opportunity and refereeing anger
On the blue half of Merseyside, frustration was the order of the day, cyabadabado31554 complained, he even admitted switching off after half an hour, he said;
Started too slowly, we should have been at them from the off. Liverpool had played a tough game in midweek while we’d had a week’s rest
Others felt Everton grew into the match but left it too late, efc ticketzone complained;
I’m disappointed we didn’t get something in the end. It was always going to be tough after going two goals down, but we stuck at it and finished the game relatively strong
Everton might have not won the derby but they definatley had a lot of support from fans at home and overseas,the team via its official X handle, thanked the their supporters in faraway kansas City in the United States, for coming out in their numbers to support them, see exclusive photos below;
Several fans pointed the finger at officiating.
an everton fan on X nick ryan fumed at the poor officiating, he said;
If he’d booked Bradley after two fouls on Grealish in the first 20 minutes we’d have got something out of that. Then three minutes extra time because the RS are in the lead – joke
kingbill also added in annoyance;
It’s time clubs started asking questions. Yes the poor decisions at Anfield are part of the game for away teams, but the 3 minutes added on is pure corruption in clear view of everybody. Strange how it’s always much more when they need a goal!
Some were more tactical in their reflectionsEverton Fans TV analysed:
First half you have to go and stifle them. Win fouls, take your time, throw-ins, etc. Silence the crowd. Instead of long balls to Alisson. That allows you to grow into it as we did eventually
Football is a game of love, asides the rivalry and competitive spirit its important that we truly understand why we play the beautiful game, this is evident in Everton football club as fans and executives of the club payed a tribute to the late Liverpool player Diego Jota before the start of the game.
Everton via its official X handle, shared a post alongside photos written by the chairman of the Everton Football Fan Club and Everton Fan Advisory Club during the vist to the late player’s tribute ground, see post below;
Final mood: Relief for Liverpool, questions for both sides
For Liverpool, it’s another win that keeps momentum rolling under Arne Slot, though concerns about game management, defensive solidity, and star players’ form remain at the forefront of fan debates.
For Everton, the sense of “what if” lingers – a slow start, missed chances, and fury at refereeing decisions combined to leave fans frustrated despite a late fightback. With both sides facing busy schedules ahead, the derby once again proved that the emotions of Merseyside football are as intense off the pitch as on it.
