Anfield hosted another Merseyside derby that reminded us why stats can sting. Liverpool controlled the tempo, dictated possession, and generated quality chances, but needed just one moment of clinical finishing from Diogo Jota to edge past Everton in a 1-0 win. The xG tells a story of domination: Liverpool 2.0 – Everton 0.35, but Everton will leave wondering if they even turned up in the final third.

? Match Stats Snapshot

Shots: Liverpool 17 – 5 Everton

xG: Liverpool 1.98 – 0.35

Possession: Liverpool 71% – 29%

Passes into Opponent’s Box: Liverpool 20 – 10 Everton

Shots on Target: Liverpool 3 – 0 Everton

Liverpool had 39 dribbles to Everton’s 16 and completed 104 possessions compared to Everton’s 89. The gulf in control was as wide as the River Mersey.

? Match Momentum & xG Flow

From minute one, Liverpool pressed high and dominated the ball. The xG progression graph shows a slow, steady climb from the Reds, with Everton barely scratching the surface in terms of attacking threat. Jota’s goal came in the 57th minute, with a well-placed finish (xG: 0.30) that capped off a wave of pressure.

The Toffees barely threatened. A flurry of blocked and off-target shots in the first half added up to a big zero in terms of on-target efforts.

? Shot & Goal Analysis

Everton produced zero shots on target, and their most dangerous attempts were blocked or dragged wide from distance. Their shot map is a barren landscape – five total attempts, none inside the box, and a total xG of 0.35.

Liverpool, on the other hand, spread the shots around. 17 total, with three on target and nine blocked – showing that Everton at least packed the box defensively. Their most threatening moments came through central and left channels, with Diogo Jota’s goal coming from a high-value position (xG 0.30).

? Possession & Tactical Shape

Liverpool’s pass map was a web of dominance. Robertson and Mac Allister were heavily involved in progressing the ball, while Salah and Szoboszlai consistently linked play in the right half-space. There was a clear intent to create overloads, and it paid off with numerical superiority across midfield.

Everton’s pass map told a different tale. Limited passing triangles, deeper average positions, and a front line cut off from supply. Doucouré and Beto were stranded passengers for most of the game. The Toffees never managed to get behind Liverpool’s defensive block.

? Final Whistle Verdict

This wasn’t just a derby win for Liverpool – it was a tactical chokehold. Everton failed to land a punch, and Liverpool, while not at their free-flowing best, had more than enough to claim three points. If xG were goals, this could’ve been 3-0. Derby bragging rights stay at Anfield, and the stats underline just how one-sided it was.