The Sweden striker opened the scoring late in the first half, setting the tone for a match that was ultimately decided by Hugo Ekitike’s late winner.
Speaking after the game, Isak reflected on the moment and his mindset as a striker:
“Amazing. It was good to get back out there and score my first goal here, at Anfield. The win as well. So, it’s a good night. I should have scored that one earlier as well, but that’s part of being a striker – you miss some and then you score some.
“It Was Good to Get Back Out There” – Alexander Isak Reacts After First Goal
I just try to play my game and not think too much. I feel confidence in myself that things will work out and that when I get my chances I’ll put them away – that’s my mindset. I’m happy that I put one away today.”
The 26-year-old made his second start for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup clash, playing 45 minutes before being substituted at half-time. With three appearances in the past week, Isak is steadily building sharpness and match fitness.
He added: “I feel good, I feel good. I think with every game I play it’s very helpful and gets me in better shape. I’m just getting more and more ready.”
On reaching full fitness, Isak admitted: “It’s difficult to say. I think it’s a mixture of fitness-wise and also football-wise. I feel good, I feel like I’m in a shape to at least make a difference.”
Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield to make it five wins from five in the Premier League this season.
The Reds started strongly, looking sharp from the first whistle. Mohamed Salah threaded a clever chipped pass to Ryan Gravenberch, who volleyed it into the net to give Liverpool the lead. The goal was a perfect example of two world-class players making the difficult look easy.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton: Nervy Reds Cling On For Victory In Nail-Biting Derby
Liverpool quickly doubled their advantage as Hugo Ekitike continued his fine start at Anfield. Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister combined to release the French striker, who calmly slotted the ball past Jordan Pickford. At 2-0, it looked like smooth sailing for the champions.
Everton, however, refused to lie down. Idrissa Gueye pulled one back in the 58th minute, finishing a teasing Jack Grealish cross into the back of the net. The visitors pressed for an equaliser as Liverpool struggled to maintain the intensity that had carried them through the first half.
Arne Slot responded with tactical changes, introducing Curtis Jones, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak to shore up midfield and keep Everton at bay. The Reds weathered late pressure, with Kerkez and Van Dijk making key defensive interventions to preserve the lead.
In the end, Liverpool held on for a 2-1 win, continuing their early-season momentum. Another Merseyside Derby victory keeps the perfect start intact, with Ekitike and Gravenberch again standing out and the team showing resilience under pressure.
Anfield hosts the 247th Merseyside Derby on Saturday lunchtime, with Premier League leaders Liverpool looking to extend their perfect start against rivals Everton.
Arne Slot’s men have won four from four in the league and arrive fresh from a dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, sealed by Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header.
British-record signing Alexander Isak made his debut in midweek and could be set for his first taste of derby action, while Everton travel across Stanley Park in sixth place after a strong start under David Moyes, boosted by Jack Grealish’s early impact on loan from Manchester City
Liverpool vs Everton – Preview
Liverpool have made a habit of leaving things late. All four of their league wins so far have been sealed after the 83rd minute, and that trend carried into Europe in midweek. Goals from Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah were cancelled out by Marcos Llorente’s brace, but captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest in stoppage time to nod home a 92nd-minute winner against Atletico Madrid.
That late drama has become a trademark. Liverpool have scored four of the 4 Premier League goals after the 90th minute this season, including Salah’s 95th-minute penalty at Burnley last weekend.
It has carried them to the top of the table with 12 points and Anfield has been a fortress in this fixture too, with just one Everton win here in the last 28 visits.
Meanwhile, David Moyes has quickly lifted Everton after their opening-day defeat at Leeds. Wins over Brighton and Wolves were followed by a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, where the Toffees fired 20 shots but lacked a cutting edge. Manchester City loanee, Jack Grealish has added flair to the attack, while a strong back line has already produced four clean sheets in five games across all competitions.
The challenge for Everton is turning resilience into results at Anfield. They have only two wins from the last 29 Premier League derbies, and Moyes himself has never claimed victory here in 20 league attempts. Still, with six away wins already in 2025, as many as they managed in the previous 30 games combined the Toffees travel with more belief than in recent years.
Liverpool vs Everton – Team News
Arne Slot has close to a full Liverpool squad available for the derby. Curtis Jones returned to training on Friday and is back in contention after missing the last two games.
Alexander Isak, who made his debut against Atletico Madrid, is also in line to feature but will be managed carefully. Slot admitted the striker felt the effects of his 60 minutes on Wednesday: “Alex did feel his body more maybe than ever before after the 60 minutes he played, so let’s see how he’s recovered today and then we’re going to think about the line-up.”
Liverpool vs Everton: Premier League Preview, Team News, Key Stats
Everton’s main concerns are in defence. Jarrad Branthwaite is yet to play this season with a hamstring issue, while Vitalii Mykolenko suffered a setback on international duty. David Moyes gave a cautious update: “They’re making progress and we’ll see. We’ve got a couple of other knocks within the camp but we’ll see how they are.”
If Mykolenko is unavailable, James Garner could again fill in at left-back. Moyes was full of praise for the England international: “Jimmy is playing as well as any player at the moment. He’s had to play a few games at left-back and I have to say, he’s done a really good job there as well.”
Head-to-Head & Previous Meetings
Saturday’s clash will be the 247th competitive meeting between Liverpool and Everton. The Reds hold the upper hand in this historic rivalry with 95 wins, compared to 63 for the Toffees, while 75 matches have ended in draws.
The last Merseyside derby came in April at Anfield, where late Diogo Jota struck late to seal a 1-0 win for Liverpool.
Liverpool vs Everton: What the managers are saying
“When we faced them last season they had a very good spell as well – and it wasn’t a spell because they just kept on going with that and into this season again also. I think they’ve made some good signings and one of them is of course a player on loan who was worth £100m in the past, someone paid £100m for him and he is doing so well for them, Jack Grealish. So, a good team.”
“This has always been an incredibly difficult fixture for me because I’ve always come up against really good Liverpool teams. I think it’s easier if you’re the team that has the stronger squad, but we’re up against it so we have to go there and fight for everything.”
Key Stats
This will be the 213th top-flight meeting between Liverpool and Everton, making it the second-most-played fixture in English top-flight history.
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 28 home games against Everton in all competitions (17 wins, 10 draws).
The Reds are unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League games at Anfield (15 wins, four draws).
Merseyside derbies have produced 25 red cards in the Premier League, more than any other fixture.
Mohamed Salah has scored eight goals against Everton, just one behind Steven Gerrard’s club record of nine.
Salah is just two goals away from reaching 250 for Liverpool in all competitions.
Since the start of last season, Liverpool have scored 19 goals in the final 10 minutes of Premier League matches, more than any other side.
The last derby at Anfield saw Liverpool win 1-0 in April, thanks to a late strike from the late Diogo Jota – his final goal for the club.
Robbie Fowler remains Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer in a Merseyside derby, netting at 18 years and 338 days in a 2-1 Anfield win in 1994.
Alisson Becker has kept seven clean sheets in 11 league appearances against Everton – only Ray Clemence (14) and Pepe Reina (eight) have more for Liverpool.
Liverpool produced yet another late show at Anfield as Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sealed a thrilling 3-2 win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
The Reds looked in control after a lighting start saw them go two goals up inside the first seven minutes. Mohamed Salah’s free-kick deflected off Andy Robertson for the opener before the Egyptian himself finished off a slick one-two with Ryan Gravenberch to make it 2-0.
Atlético, though, showed their trademark fight. Marcos Llorente halved the deficit before half-time, striking low through Ibrahima Konaté’s legs past Alisson. And it was Llorente again who levelled in the second half, his volley from the edge of the box taking a deflection off Alexis Mac Allister to loop in for 2-2.
With the game in the balance, both sides traded chances. Salah hit the post with the goal gaping, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz both went close, while substitute Alexander Sørloth headed tamely at Alisson in stoppage time.
Then came the decisive moment. Dominik Szoboszlai, whose set-piece delivery had been dangerous all evening, whipped in a corner from the left and Van Dijk powered his header past Jan Oblak to spark wild celebrations inside Anfield.
The drama did not end there as Diego Simeone was sent off following an altercation with fans behind the away dugout. The Atlético coach appeared to be provoked but responded in typical fashion, with stewards quickly surrounding the visiting bench.
Liverpool have now won five straight games this season, with four of them sealed by goals in the final 10 minutes. The pattern continues:
Liverpool made it three wins from three in the Premier League with a narrow 1–0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield, sealed by a stunning late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Reds started brightly and dominated the ball, but it was Arsenal who carved out more openings from set pieces. William Saliba’s early injury forced Mikel Arteta into a change, with new signing Mosquera introduced after just five minutes.
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal: Szoboszlai’s Stunning Free-Kick Seals Victory
Liverpool’s best chance of the half came when Virgil van Dijk intercepted a poor David Raya pass and drove into the box, but instead of shooting, he looked for Mohamed Salah, and Arsenal cleared. Arsenal tested Alisson through Noni Madueke, while Cody Gakpo fired wide for the hosts. It was goalless at the break.
Arne Slot introduced Curtis Jones and later Federico Chiesa, while Arsenal brought on Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze to change the rhythm. The game remained tense, with Liverpool having a goal ruled out for offside when Cody Gakpo followed up on a spilt Wirtz shot before Hugo Ekitike turned in.
The breakthrough finally came in the 84th minute. After Ryan Gravenberch was fouled on the edge of the box, Szoboszlai stepped up and unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner, leaving Raya with no chance.
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal: Szoboszlai’s Stunning Free-Kick Seals Victory
Arsenal pushed late on, but Liverpool’s defence, marshalled by Van Dijk and substitute Joe Gomez after Ibrahima Konaté went off injured, held firm.
It was far from a free-flowing display, but Szoboszlai’s moment of brilliance was enough to secure another big win.
Liverpool will host Arsenal on Sunday in a Premier League game between two sides looking like title contenders once again in 2025/26.
Both teams have six points from their opening two games, and despite some mixed moments, they remain among the favourites for the title this season.
Liverpool vs Arsenal – Preview
Liverpool are coming off a dramatic 3-2 win at Newcastle United, where youngster Rio Ngumoha scored a last-minute winner after the Reds had thrown away a 2-0 lead. While their attacking firepower is impressive, Arne Slot’s side still have defensive frailties that have seen them trail Arsenal and Tottenham in the early-season standings.
At Anfield, Liverpool will look to continue their perfect start and maintain their goal-scoring streak, having found the net in 39 of 40 Premier League games under Slot.
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Preview, Team News & Key Stats
Arsenal, meanwhile, have started the season strongly with wins over Manchester United and Leeds United. Mikel Arteta’s side are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches against Liverpool, but have not won at Anfield since 2012, meaning they face both a historical challenge and a tough away test.
Sunday’s clash promises to be a high-stakes battle between Liverpool’s attacking dynamism and Arsenal’s defensive organisation. Both sides will be chasing a third successive win to maintain momentum at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool vs Arsenal – Team News
Liverpool go into the clash with Arsenal close to full strength. Alexis Mac Allister is back in training after missing the Newcastle game and is expected to partner Ryan Gravenberch in midfield for the first time this season.
The Reds’ only confirmed absentee is new signing Jeremie Frimpong, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Dominik Szoboszlai filled in as a makeshift right-back at Newcastle, but Conor Bradley is another option for Slot this weekend.
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Preview, Team News & Key Stats
Meanwhile, Arsenal face a few injury setbacks ahead of their trip to Anfield. Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Kai Havertz (knee) are both out for several weeks, while captain Martin Odegaard has yet to train following a shoulder problem.
Leandro Trossard, Ben White, and Christian Norgaard are all touch-and-go, and Gabriel Jesus is still months away from a return after an ACL injury. Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri could step in for Odegaard in midfield, while Noni Madueke is likely to take over Saka’s role on the right-hand side. Despite the absences, Arsenal have the depth to cope with this early-season mini-crisis.
Head-to-Head & Previous Meetings
Liverpool have struggled to beat Arsenal in recent league encounters, going six Premier League games without a win against the Gunners (D4 L2), their longest winless streak against Arsenal since a run of eight between October 2007 and April 2011.
At Anfield, however, Arsenal have failed to win in their last 12 visits, with the last victory coming in September 2012, when Mikel Arteta featured in midfield. The last four meetings at Anfield across all competitions have ended in draws, including a dramatic game in May where Arsenal came back from 2-0 down following Liverpool’s Premier League title win
Liverpool vs Arsenal: What the managers are saying
“They can play in multiple ways, you can see how well they are managed by Mikel [Arteta], and they are working for five years together, because they can play almost every style there is in football. That tells you how well managed they are.
One of their strengths is also set-pieces, and that is an area where, if you look at Monday when we faced Newcastle, we conceded two and against Bilbao two, we need to improve. We were, by the way, really good last season, so no panicking at all. We also had to defend [a lot of] set-pieces at Newcastle, so then only conceding two is not even so bad!”
“A very important one, and we want to continue building the momentum that we are in right now. Going to those grounds, those stadiums, against this kind of opposition is what we want and coming away from those big games, winning in a really convincing way. That’s the objective.”
Key Stats
Liverpool have a good historical record against Arsenal and have won 95 out of the 244 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Arsenal’s 83 victories.
Liverpool are winless in their last six matches against Arsenal in the Premier League – their longest such run against the Gunners in the competition since 2011.
Arsenal are winless in their last 12 matches away from home against Liverpool in the Premier League, with their previous victory at Anfield coming by a 2-0 margin in September 2012.
Matches between Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League have witnessed a total of 198 goals – only games between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have witnessed a higher tally in this regard in the history of the competition.
Arsenal have won both their matches in the Premier League without conceding a single goal so far this season.
Liverpool will aim to use their attacking firepower and home advantage to maintain a perfect start, while Arsenal will look to overcome injuries and continue their unbeaten run against the Reds. With both sides chasing maximum points, we can expect a thrilling, end-to-end battle at Anfield.
Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th league title was sealed with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on the final day at Anfield.
It was a night full of history and emotion at Anfield. Alan Hansen, the last Liverpool captain to lift the league trophy in front of supporters, handed it over to Virgil van Dijk.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also said goodbye to the fans in his final game for the club. Mohamed Salah collected both the Golden Boot and the Playmaker award after another brilliant season.
Alisson Becker Explains Viral Crossbar Celebration After Title Win
But one of the most talked-about moments came from Alisson Becker. The Brazilian goalkeeper climbed onto the crossbar at the Kop end, sitting on top of it as fans sang his name.
Speaking to Men in Blazers, Alisson explained: “Pure joy. Pure joy. I wish I could have maybe a camera in my head so you could have the same vision of the Kop that I had up there.
It was a great feeling celebrating with the fans, being able to celebrate finally the Premier League with the fans. One thing that we lacked the first time we won it. So it was great.”
Alisson also shared a funny moment with Ryan Gravenberch, who had been sent off earlier in the game. As the Dutch midfielder came forward to lift the trophy, Alisson jokingly flashed him a pretend red card, sparking laughter around the squad.
From Hansen’s symbolic handover to Van Dijk, Salah’s record-equalling season, and Alisson’s crossbar celebration, it was a night Anfield will never forget.
Liverpool have confirmed their starting line-up for today’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, with Alexis Mac Allister returning as Arne Slot makes one change from last weekend’s side.
Joe Gomez is back from injury and named on the bench, while summer signings Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz make their first league appearances for the champions.
Captain Virgil van Dijk partners Ibrahima Konate at centre-back, with Frimpong and Kerkez providing the width from full-back. Mac Allister starts in the No. 6 role alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, with Wirtz in his natural No. 10 position.
Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo start out wide, with Ekitike leading the line.
Ryan Gravenberch is suspended and Conor Bradley remains out injured, while new signing Giovanni Leoni, confirmed just hours before kick-off, will watch from the stands.
Liverpool XI vs Bournemouth Alisson; Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, Frimpong
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma, taking the club’s summer spending beyond £300 million.
The 18-year-old centre-back has signed a six-year deal at Anfield in a transfer worth an initial £26m plus add-ons. He will join Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez in Arne Slot’s defensive options for the new season.
Leoni impressed in Serie A last term with 17 appearances for Parma and has already broken into Italy’s U19 side. His move is still subject to international clearance and a work permit, but he is expected to be available for Friday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
Liverpool Sign Giovanni Leoni From Parma
The teenager has long admired Liverpool captain Van Dijk, and after making his debut for Padova in 2023, he described the Dutchman as an inspiration.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website after completing his move, Leoni said:
“Because it’s one of the best clubs in the world, it’s not possible to say no to this club. I’m very happy to be here. It’s a really great sensation and I’m honoured to be here. When I saw Liverpool were interested, I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’”
Leoni arrives to strengthen a position where Slot has been short of options during pre-season, with just two fit centre-backs available following the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool have now brought in eight players this summer, but have also raised close to £200m through player sales, including Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton and Nat Phillips.
The Reds remain interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, although talks over a fee have slowed.
