There were some standout moments from Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Everton, not least Virgil van Dijk‘s mentality coming to the fore.

The Reds kept up their 100 per cent winning record in the Premier League this season, courtesy of goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.

Despite a nervy second half, in which Liverpool could again have blown a two-goal lead, the victory over their rivals was ultimately deserved.

Here are five things we spotted from the game.

 

Van Dijk vs. Tarkowski

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 20, 2025: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk celebrating after the final whistle during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield. The 247th Merseyside Derby. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Van Dijk has rarely looked better in a Liverpool shirt, with the skipper outstanding yet again on Saturday.

In the second half, the Dutchman enjoyed a memorable tussle with James Tarkowski inside the penalty area, both in a physical and verbal sense.

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— Follow @bt3 (@mmtv40036) September 20, 2025

After much jostling, Van Dijk had the last laugh, with Everton‘s attack breaking down and Liverpool’s captain celebrating emphatically as Tarkowski jogged back.

What a man he is!

 

Isak celebrates Ekitike’s goal

isak celebrating hugo’s goal ? pic.twitter.com/qAvW5ADmjF

— ? (@salahive) September 20, 2025

Ekitike made it four goals in seven Liverpool appearances on Saturday, finishing coolly past Jordan Pickford to put the hosts 2-0 up.

The Frenchman was given the nod ahead of Alexander Isak, but the Reds’ record signing was clearly happy when he found the net.

Footage has emerged of Isak celebrating on the touchline as Ekitike scored, applauding his new teammate like a proud father.

They are both going to be huge players for Liverpool for years.

 

Ekitike embraces Liverpool fans

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 20, 2025: Liverpool's goalscorer Hugo Ekitike celebrating after the final whistle during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield. The 247th Merseyside Derby. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Ekitike has made such a seamless start to life at Anfield, not looking remotely overawed by moving to a club of such stature.

His aforementioned goal against Everton was a major contribution in the Merseyside derby, further endearing him to the fans.

Ekitike is loved pic.twitter.com/6TzduUHcMV

— Hugo (@TheHekitikeEra) September 20, 2025

After the game, Ekitike was seen joyously heading back into the dressing, high-fiving supporters as they serenaded him with his song.

On this form, Isak won’t simply walk into Liverpool’s starting lineup.

 

A famous face in the crowd

For those of you who watch The Chase on weekday evenings, a well-known figure was at Anfield for the derby.

Darragh Ennis, one of the quiz experts on the show, is a huge Liverpool fan and that became apparent on Saturday.

He was seen in the Anfield Road Stand celebrating Gravenberch’s opener with great glee, raising his fists like he’d just correctly answered an impossible question.

Arsenal fan Bradley Walsh may have been less enamoured, though!

 

Kerkez’s vital intervention

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 20, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez on the floor following a foul during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield. The 247th Merseyside Derby. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Milos Kerkez has had his critics so far this season, but he has still made a positive start to life as a Liverpool player.

Against Everton, the Hungarian defended doggedly, not least when the game reached its most tense period, as the Reds clung on to their lead.

Wow Kerkez? pic.twitter.com/DplJ6Mo2Pk

— FlorianFlicks (@FlorianFocus) September 20, 2025

In the 90th minute, Kerkez made a crucial header when the giant Jake O’Brien was looming at the back post, clearing the danger for a corner.

It was a significant contribution at a crucial time, with O’Brien having the aerial capabilities to head across goal and tee up a last-gasp Everton equaliser.