Liverpool’s Merseyside Derby Win: Efficient but Uninspiring
Liverpool’s win over Everton in the Merseyside derby didn’t generate the usual post-match excitement or discussion. The subdued reaction may have been influenced by the dreary weather or the early kick-off time, which quickly shifted focus to other matches. TNT Sports’ limited coverage, including the absence of live interviews with either manager, also contributed to the low-key aftermath.
More importantly, the game itself lacked drama. There were no controversial moments—no red cards, no VAR debates, and unusually for Liverpool this season, no late-game heroics. Even as Everton chased a late equalizer, Liverpool remained the more threatening side. The result felt routine, as if Liverpool winning had become expected.
That’s now five straight Premier League victories for the Reds—a feat achieved by only a handful of teams in league history. What’s more remarkable is that they’ve done it without looking particularly dominant. Wins over Arsenal, Newcastle, and Bournemouth—all of whom remain unbeaten in other league matches—underline Liverpool’s strength. Everton, too, came into the derby in good form, unbeaten in four.
However, there is a recurring issue that needs addressing. In four of five league and European games this season, Liverpool has taken a two-goal lead only to let opponents claw back. Against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid, those leads were completely erased, requiring late efforts to secure wins.
This isn’t just bad luck—it’s a pattern. Liverpool seems to ease off during matches, losing control instead of putting games to bed. Head coach Arne Slot acknowledged this himself post-match, admitting his team isn’t yet managing games from start to finish.
“We didn’t handle some situations well,” Slot said. “Even when you’re playing well, moments can shift a game. We need to fight through those moments—that’s where we can improve.”
Slot partially blamed fatigue for the dip in second-half performance but also praised the overall display. He pointed out that Liverpool is beginning to show stronger spells of dominance, as seen against Atletico and Everton—something lacking in earlier games.
This progress may be due to the new signings adapting to Slot’s style. With eight senior players brought in over the summer, some inconsistency is expected. Still, it’s clear Slot now has a deeper squad at his disposal. Against Everton, five of the eight outfield substitutes had already started games this season.
Slot has admitted that a lack of rotation cost the team late last season. This year, that’s changed. He made four changes for the derby and three in the midweek fixture, signaling a more flexible approach.
Since the international break, three different players have started at right-back, while the left-back and striker positions have also been rotated. Slot is tailoring his selections to suit opponents—for instance, deploying Szoboszlai at right-back against Burnley, anticipating heavy possession. He also reserved Isak for Atletico, and chose a more experienced midfield for the derby.
As autumn sets in, there’s a growing sense that this Liverpool team is evolving steadily. They’re winning consistently, showing signs of improvement, and benefiting from better squad depth. If this upward trend continues, Slot’s revamped Liverpool could become a formidable force.
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