Positive Everton Edged Out In Anfield Derby

Everton showed more signs of their progress under David Moyes but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat in the 247^th Merseyside derby at Anfield.

The Blues were punished for a lacklustre opening to go two goals down after efforts from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.

But they showed spirit to fight their way back into the clash, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall firing wide after being played in by Jack Grealish’s slide pass.

More chances came before half-time, Beto’s first-time volley from Iliman Ndiaye’s cross going past the post, and Gana hitting a tame effort at Alisson from Dewsbury-Hall’s cut back in added-time.

Everton were the better team after the break and got their just reward on 58 minutes with another eye-catching move, Grealish sending a deep cross from the left to pick out Ndiaye, whose exquisite touch was followed by an even better first-time finish from his compatriot Gana.

The Toffees’ long-serving midfielder nearly set up a leveller nine minutes later, passing back across goal where Curtis Jones got a crucial touch to prevent half-time substitute Thierno Barry from finishing from close range.

Everton gave it a real go in the closing stages, too, Tyler Dibling and Charly Alcaraz being sent on to bolster the attacking options, but Moyes’ men were unlucky not to find a leveller few people could argue they deserved.

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