Liverpool finally claimed their first Premier League victory of 2023 as they eased to a 2-0 win against Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Mo Salah bagged his first goal in five games in the first half before Cody Gakpo opened his Reds account after the interval.
Liverpool spurned a good chance when Cody Gakpo headed wide on 17 minutes.
And the Reds took the lead in the 36th minute only 18 seconds after Everton almost broke the deadlock.
Toffees defender James Tarkowksi’s bullet header from a corner crashed against the post before Liverpool launched a rapid counter-attack that was rounded off by Salah’s deft finish.
Jurgen Klopp’s side started the second period on the front foot and doubled their lead through Gakpo’s close-range finish on 49 minutes.
Liverpool couldn’t increase their advantage further despite having several opportunities but will be fully satisfied with all three points as they moved up to ninth in the table.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players.
9. Jordan Henderson - 7
Played aggressively on the front foot throughout. Back to the levels he’s regularly hit throughout the years. Subbed in the 80th minute. | Getty Images
10. Darwin Nunez - 7
Rapid pace engineered Liverpool’s opening goal while his acrobatic effort inadvertently created a chance for Gakpo in the first half. Missed a couple of chances in the second half but was a livewire before being subbed in the 70th minute. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
11. Mo Salah - 8
Showed good composure and vision to spot Pickford’s poor positioning to net the opener. Lively throughout the first half and got the ‘second assist’ for Gakpo’s goal. Then went on to cause Vitalii Mykolenko issues but couldn’t add to his tally. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
12. Cody Gakpo - 7
Perhaps should have done better with a first-half header but did show endeavour. Couldn’t have asked for an easier maiden Liverpool goal and he grew with confidence afterwards. Subbed un the 80th minute. | Getty Images