2024/25 Premier League: Deep Dive Into The Recent Merseyside Derby Result

Just 18 hours ago at Anfield, Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over Everton in the 241st Merseyside derby, extending their lead at the top of the 2024/25 Premier League table to two points. The result, which saw Mohamed Salah seal the win with a late stoppage-time strike, has put further pressure on title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, while leaving Everton in the relegation zone after just three wins from nine matches. This post-match analysis breaks down the key stats, tactical choices, and implications for the rest of the season, for football fans across Southeast Asia following the English top flight.

Match Statistics & Head-to-Head Comparison

Data compiled from real-time live football stats shows Liverpool’s dominance in possession and final third efficiency is no fluke this season. The 1.67 xG gap between the two sides in this derby highlights that Everton failed to create any clear-cut scoring chances, even with Liverpool starting backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in place of the injured Alisson. Liverpool’s 62% average possession across their last five matches is the highest of any side in the 2024/25 Premier League, demonstrating how manager Arne Slot’s system consistently controls tempo against deep-block opposition like Everton.

Stoppage time data also reveals a clear trend that held true in this fixture: Liverpool have scored 3 of their last 12 goals in added minutes, per updated Premier League match stats. This is largely a result of the team’s elite fitness levels and ability to sustain high pressing for 90+ minutes, while Everton’s ongoing injury crisis has left their bench thin, leading to a significant drop-off in intensity late in matches. This disparity directly led to Liverpool’s second goal, which came in the 7th minute of second-half stoppage time after Everton’s defense tired.

Expert Tactical Analysis

Arne Slot set Liverpool up in a 4-3-3 base shape that shifted to a 3-2-5 in possession, with full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson pushing high to stretch Sean Dyche’s five-man defensive line. This tactical shift forced Everton’s central midfielders to drift wide to cover the overlapping runs, opening up gaps between the backline and midfield for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to exploit. Liverpool’s first goal came from exactly this type of space, as Cody Gakpo collected a through ball from Szoboszlai before slotting past Everton keeper Jordan Pickford in the 27th minute.

Dyche’s game plan relied on soaking up pressure and hitting Liverpool on quick counters through winger Jack Harrison, but the strategy failed due to two key factors: a lack of a focal point in attack with Calvert-Lewin out injured, and Liverpool’s high pressing that cut off all supply from Everton’s backline. Harrison recorded just 12 touches in the final third all match, and Everton mustered only one counter-attack that reached the Liverpool 18-yard box in the entire 90 minutes.

The key managerial victory went to Slot, who adjusted his system in the 65th minute to push Szoboszlai further forward into central midfield, adding more progressive passing to break down Everton’s deep block. This adjustment created the space for Mohamed Salah’s late strike, sealing the three points. Slot’s ability to adjust mid-match against low blocks has been a key improvement over Liverpool’s previous regime, and it is a big reason why the club sits top of the league this season.

Practical Fan Tips & Season Prediction

For fans following the Premier League and looking for context for upcoming matches, here are four objective, data-backed tips:

1. Expect over 2.5 total goals in all of Liverpool’s remaining home matches in 2024: Liverpool have scored 2+ goals in 7 of their 9 home matches this season, and their high-tempo system regularly creates late chances against deep-block opponents.
2. Expect under 2.5 total goals in all of Everton’s upcoming away matches: With three key first-team players out long-term, Dyche’s side prioritizes defensive organization over attacking output, and seven of Everton’s last nine away matches have finished with under 2.5 goals.
3. Late goals are likely in every future Merseyside derby: The two clubs have averaged over 8 minutes of stoppage time in their last 5 combined Premier League matches, and 4 of the last 6 derbies have seen a goal scored in stoppage time.
4. Liverpool will remain top of the Premier League through the next five matchweeks: Liverpool’s next three opponents are all in the bottom half of the table, and the club’s only injury is a short-term absence for Alisson, leaving the squad well-equipped to pick up maximum points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Liverpool win the 2024/25 Premier League title?

As of October 2024, Liverpool are the clear favorites to win the Premier League title, holding a two-point lead over defending champions Manchester City. The side has tactical balance, few long-term injuries, and a favorable schedule through the December period. While Manchester City’s historical title resilience makes them a threat, Liverpool’s current form puts them in the strongest position to lift the trophy in May.

How does Everton’s injury crisis impact their fight against relegation this season?

Everton’s injury crisis is a major threat to their survival hopes. Starting center forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, their top goalscorer last season, is out until at least December, and two other key first-team starters are also sidelined. The thin squad means Dyche cannot rotate, leading to fatigue late in matches, as seen in the Merseyside derby. Unless the club brings in attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, they are at high risk of relegation.

How many Premier League Merseyside derbies has Liverpool won?

As of October 2024, Liverpool have won 32 Merseyside derbies in Premier League history, compared to just 13 wins for Everton, with 15 draws. This latest win extends Liverpool’s unbeaten run in the fixture to five matches, the longest current unbeaten streak between the two sides in 20 years.