Liverpool extended their dominance over local rivals Everton by securing a 2-0 victory at Anfield, which propelled them to the top of the Premier League on Saturday. However, they benefited from luck as Mohamed Salah scored twice. Everton was unhappy with referee Craig Pawson’s inconsistency, with Ashley Young being sent off seven minutes before halftime, while Ibrahima Konate avoided a second booking in the second half.
Liverpool struggled to make use of their numerical advantage but eventually broke through when Salah converted a penalty after a handball by Michael Keane. Salah scored again, set up by Darwin Nunez, in stoppage time.
This win moved Liverpool to the top of the table, ahead of Tottenham and Arsenal on goal difference. The Merseyside derbies have been in Liverpool’s favor, with just one loss in their last 29 encounters, and they haven’t lost at Anfield against Everton in front of home fans since 1999. The match featured several red cards, with Ashley Young’s sending off being pivotal. Liverpool appeared fatigued in the second half despite having an extra player, and Everton adjusted their formation.
Everton was frustrated that Ibrahima Konate wasn’t sent off, leading to protests from their manager, Sean Dyche. Liverpool benefited from a VAR decision that awarded them a penalty when Michael Keane handled the ball. Salah converted from the spot. As Everton pressed for an equalizer, Liverpool capitalized on the counter-attack, with Nunez setting up Salah for a simple finish in stoppage time.