Egypt forward, Mohamed Salah, scored twice as Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over 10-player Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday.
Ashley Young’s red card for two bookable offences inside the first half left Sean Dyche’s side up against it and Liverpool finally found the breakthrough goal in the 74th minute when Salah converted from the spot following Michael Keane’s handball.
The Egyptian’s second in stoppage time reflected Liverpool’s dominance but it was tough on Everton given the resolve that they showed, particularly once down to 10.
They could point to a debatable moment just before the goal when Ibrahima Konate was fortunate to escape a red card.
Dyche was booked for his complaints, the only comfort being the way that his team battled against the odds.
For Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, this hard-fought victory ends a run of two games without a win and restores Liverpool – however briefly – to the top of the Premier League table.
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Klopp has now won nine Premier League games against Everton, overtaking Rafa Benitez for the most wins by a manager in Merseyside derbies in the competition.
Everton have won just seven points from nine Premier League games this season, their fewest at this stage of a league campaign since 2005.
Salah has either scored or assisted in each of his last 13 Premier League appearances for Liverpool at Anfield. Only Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry have ever done so in more consecutive home appearances in the competition.
Salah has been directly involved in eight goals in 10 Premier League appearances against Everton for Liverpool. Only Steven Gerrard has scored more goals for the Reds than Salah in this fixture in the competition.
Everton’s Young became the first player to be sent off for two yellow cards in a Premier League game against Liverpool since Sadio Mane playing for Southampton.
Liverpool are in Europa League action in midweek, hosting Toulouse on Thursday.
Their next Premier League match is a trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, October 29.
Meanwhile, Everton’s next assignment is a Premier League clash with West Ham, also on Sunday, October 29.
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