Jack Grealish was unable to come away with any points, or even a goal or an assist, as he played in his first Merseyside derby for Everton. Indeed, Liverpool came away with a 2-1 win, keeping them top of the Premier League table.
Mohamed Salah set up Ryan Gravenberch for the opener, and then the Dutchman turned provider for Hugo Ekitike, who made it 2-0 before the break. Idrissa Gueye did pull one back for the Toffees in the second half, but that wasn’t enough to earn a point, with the home team picking up all three points in a 2-1 victory.
Despite the loss, Grealish continued his good form in an Everton shirt, having looked very bright so far for the club in the early stages of his loan spell. He was so impressive, in fact, commentator Ally McCoist suggested he could be Man of the Match, before handing the award to Gravenberch as he felt the prize had to go to someone on the winning side.
Grealish Shines vs Liverpool
He finished the game having created four key passes – twice as many as anyone else on the pitch – from 52 touches, while also completing his only attempted long ball, and winning nine out of 14 duels in what was a hard-working display, littered with flashes of quality.
In their player ratings, Goodison News handed him an 8/10 and praised him for ‘constantly threatening the Reds’ backline’. They also noted the role he played in the goal as the Toffees got back into the game in the 58th minute, writing: ‘Grealish played a wonderful ball to Iliman Ndiaye, who cut it back for Gueye to reduce the deficit and make it a nervy encounter.’
It was a tough outing overall, but the Englishman can hold his head up high after putting in a fine performance for his team.
Fans Praise Grealish, Aim Digs at Guardiola
A lot has been made about Grealish’s time at Manchester City. Although he won plenty, many felt as though the players looked stifled at the Etihad and struggled to shine in the same way that he had done so for Aston Villa.
Adding fuel ot the flames of this particular theory, the Englishman has looked a player reborn during his time with Everton so far. That was noticeable at Anfield, with fans praising Grealish while also taking issue with Pep Guardiola for not getting the best out of the 30-year-old.
One fan said: “There’s no lie when we say Guardiola almost ruined Grealish’s career. Look at Grealish now.” Another wrore: “Grealish is a baller, Pep nearly ruined him…” One more remarked:
“I’m sorry but it was an absolute travesty how Guardiola made Jack Grealish play. What a player.”
Another said: “Grealish looks good man, what was Pep doing to him?”
Others sang the player’s praise, focusing less on Guaridola and more on his quality. Along those lines, one supporter noted: “No words for Jack Grealish. His football IQ is off the charts man. No one can chat to him in that aspect. Technical brilliance + IQ, wow”
Another said: “Grealish is incredible.” One added: “Grealish is class. Good to see him enjoying his football again.”A final fan summed up the mood with: “Grealish, top class today for Everton.”
Stats via SofaScore – correct as of 20/09/25
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