Liverpool claimed Merseyside bragging rights to make it five wins from five, as they held on to beat Everton 2-1 at Anfield on Saturday, September 20.
The Reds looked to be cruising toward their first statement win of the season after a dominant first-half display resulting in a two-goal lead courtesy of Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.
But after the break, Everton swung momentum in their favour, with Idrissa Gueye’s emphatic strike pulling one back to bring the game to 2-1.
Liverpool were left hanging on by the time the final whistle blew, as the Toffees – inspired by a rejuvenated Jack Grealish – relentlessly chased an equaliser into the dying minutes.
Slot credits Liverpool’s mentality
It was yet another Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Reds, veering between dangerous and vulnerable.
Liverpool started formidably, showcasing an intensity and dynamic pressing they have not displayed so far this season.
But fatigue from three games in seven days saw them fade in the second half, retreating into their own half and relying on counter-attacks as Everton grew into the game.
Slot acknowledged the physical toll on his players in his post-match comments, but highlighted the strength of his team’s mentality in seeing out the result.
“We needed mentality in a different fashion maybe than a few times before,” said Slot.
“If you play your third game in less than seven days against your rivals you know the second half could be very tough.
“The second half was more difficult because of Everton, of course. We ran out of energy a bit but we didn’t run out of mentality.”
Had Liverpool let another two-goal lead slip this season, questions would surely have been asked of Slot’s game management.
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Gravenberch receives his plaudits
Gravenberch looks to be building on the momentum from last season with another imperious performance at the heart of the midfield.
The Dutchman was awarded Man of the Match, as he dictated the play while also scoring and assisting.
Virgil van Dijk heaped praise on his fellow international.
“He’s unbelievable. He’s very important to the way we play…He’s in incredible shape. He’s in the form of his life. He has to keep going. He’s still young.” said Liverpool’s captain.
Gravenberch, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, formed what was arguably Liverpool’s most effective midfield trio of the season so far.
Their energy and tenacity overwhelmed Everton early on, especially with support from the full-backs on both flanks.
Summer signing Florian Wirtz was left on the bench and Slot now surely faces a dilemma of how best to integrate the German playmaker without disrupting this well-balanced and cohesive midfield.
David Moyes’ Anfield misery continues
Despite Everton’s spirited second-half performance, David Moyes’ dismal Anfield record continued.
The Scot now has the unenviable record of no wins in 23 visits (D7, L16) – equalling Sir Bobby Robson.
Moyes was frustrated by Everton’s performance, lamenting his side’s slow start.
“At the moment I am more disappointed by the start. It wasn’t the plan. This is Liverpool’s third game in seven days and we had an opportunity,” he said.
“I will look at the start myself and if we should have done something better…We just gave ourselves a task too far.”
Both Moyes and Grealish voiced their frustrations with the refereeing decisions on the day, criticising the three added minutes in stoppage time and the yellow card for Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall after taking a quick free-kick.
“I’ve never seen a player in my whole life get booked for taking a quick free-kick. I don’t know where that rule has come in,” said Grealish.
Can Liverpool build from this perfect start?
Sitting top of the Premier League table with maximum points, Liverpool have managed to grind out results despite not yet hitting top form.
Slot is still configuring his side, but the strength in depth is undeniable.
Liverpool have the luxury of being able to rotate world-class talent – like Alexander Isak, Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong – without sacrificing quality on the pitch.
If Slot can strike the right balance between intensity, cohesion and rotation, Liverpool are poised to maintain their place at the summit of English football.
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Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Vivien Bernardino