Liverpool finally got their season up and running as they claimed a first Premier League win of 2023.<\/p>\n
It snapped a four-match winless run after defeats on the road to the likes of Brentford, Brighton and Wolves.<\/p>\n
Although 9 points adrift of the top four and the much-coveted Champions League places, they will be buoyed with the manner of this victory.<\/p>\n
Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino returned early from lengthy injury absences, and made an impact on the game in the second-half.<\/p>\n
Coupled with the inclusion of Virgil van Dijk on the substitutes bench, this provided the catalyst for a big psychological boost to win the match.<\/p>\n
Everton meanwhile, tasted defeat for the first time under Sean Dyche after their shock win over league leaders Arsenal.<\/p>\n
They remain rooted in the bottom three and fighting a relegation battle.<\/p>\n
The hosts might have been in poor form of late, but Anfield was rocking.<\/p>\n
An electric atmosphere with nothing but anticipation of a big Liverpool performance at last.<\/p>\n
And Jurgen Klopp\u2019s charges started brightly, Mohamed Salah laid the ball off for youngster Stefan Baj\u010deti\u0107, who whipped a nice ball into the penalty area.<\/p>\n
Darwin N\u00fa\u00f1ez, with an outstretched bicycle kick connected impressively with the cross, and the ball flew across goal, only for Cody Gakpo to head narrowly wide, after good build up play.<\/p>\n
It was clear Liverpool were going to play this match fast, at a high tempo, and aim to catch Dyche\u2019s men flat-footed.<\/p>\n
The pivotal turning point in the match came in the 36th<\/sup> minute, as James Tarkowski\u2019s towering header from a Toffees corner, crashed against the foot of the post, as the Reds were let off the hook.<\/p>\n Sensing an opportunity, the home side immediately hit their opponents on the counter-attack.<\/p>\n N\u00fa\u00f1ez and Salah combined passes to break forward at pace.<\/p>\n The Uruguayan raced away down the left side, as it soon became four against two.<\/p>\n And he played a superb ball to Salah, who prodded home with England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford left in the no man\u2019s land.<\/p>\n The Anfield crowd erupted into life as Salah and Andy Robertson celebrated the opening goal of the 242nd<\/sup> Merseyside derby.<\/p>\n