Liverpool beat Everton thanks to Salah's double

Playing with one more player from the first half, Liverpool beat Everton 2-0 in round 9 of the Premier League thanks to a double from Mohamed Salah.

Determined to regain the winning feeling after two draws and losses, Liverpool rushed forward after the opening whistle. However, Everton showed that they had prepared well for the Merseyside derby on their opponent's field. Sean Dyche's team's aggressive play and ensuring the distance between their home field made it difficult for Liverpool to get the ball close to Jordan Pickford's goal.

Salah scored a penalty to open the scoring for Liverpool. Photo: Reuters

The turning point of the match came in the 37th minute when Ashley Young received his second yellow card. The burden of age made it difficult for the 38-year-old player to cope with the speed of Luis Diaz. Young received yellow cards in 19 minutes, both for two illegal tackles on the Liverpool left winger.

Since the home team had one more player, the match was completely under the control of the home team. However, the opportunities Liverpool created were not really clear. Most notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold's long-range shot went over the bar, or the situation where this player crossed but no teammate could keep up.

The match followed a similar script in the second half. Jurgen Klopp reinforced striker Darwin Nunez but was still helpless against the opponent's crowded defense. In the 65th minute, controversy broke out when Ibrahima Konate pulled Beto down when Everton had a chance to counterattack. Before that, the French midfielder had received a yellow card, so the visitors complained that he should be sent off. Referee Craig Pawson stood near the ball and refused Everton's request without the help of VAR. On the sidelines, Dyche reacted violently and was shown a yellow card.

Diaz crossed the ball into Keane's hand, giving Liverpool a penalty. Photo: Reuters

Shortly after, Diaz went down in the box after being tackled by Nathan Patterson. Neither the referee nor the VAR awarded the home team a penalty. Two minutes later, Liverpool again called for a penalty after Diaz's cross hit Michael Keane's arm. This time, referee Pawson shook his head again. But after reviewing the VAR, he awarded the home team a penalty. Salah did not miss this golden opportunity to put Liverpool ahead. The Egyptian striker shot hard into the right corner, fooling Pickford.

Liverpool continued to press the field for the rest of the match to find another goal. Although they were behind, Everton were helpless because they were short of players. They had to huddle together to defend. Sometimes when they had a chance, the away team just had to hope for luck with long-range shots.

In the nine minutes of stoppage time in the second half, Everton ventured forward, leaving huge gaps in their own half. After a few missed chances, Liverpool finished off their opponents with Salah's second goal. The credit for this one went to Nunez, who drove from midfield and drew the attention of Everton's defenders before setting up the winner. The rest was easy for Salah.

Everton manager Sean Dyche was unhappy when the referee did not give Konate a red card. Photo: AP

With two goals in this match, Salah has been involved in eight goals (seven goals, one assist) in 10 Premier League meetings with Everton. In history, only the former Liverpool captain has done better with nine goals. The Egyptian striker helped Liverpool rise to the top of the table with 20 points, equal with Tottenham and Arsenal but with a better goal difference.

Liverpool host French club Toulouse in the Europa League group stage next week before facing Nottingham Forest the following weekend.

Quang Huy

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