After a thrilling midweek of UEFA Champions League action, top leagues across Europe burst back into life with an array of captivating weekend fixtures. In the Premier League, attention was heavily focused on the first Merseyside derby of the season, where Liverpool hosted Everton. Other notable clashes included Brighton & Hove Albion against Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley hosting Nottingham Forest, West Ham United taking on Crystal Palace, and Wolverhampton Wanderers meeting Leeds United. A heavyweight encounter between Manchester United and Chelsea also headlined the later games. Elsewhere, LaLiga saw Real Madrid facing Espanyol, while in the Bundesliga, Hoffenheim went up against Bayern Munich, promising an action-packed day for football fans.

The build-up to the Merseyside derby at Anfield was not without its drama, even before kickoff. Fans and broadcasters were left stunned when Everton manager David Moyes was spotted confronting referee Darren England in the tunnel as players lined up to emerge. Moyes appeared visibly displeased during the conversation, an exchange that prompted a laugh from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. This pre-match tension added another layer to Moyes' historically challenging record at Anfield, where he has yet to secure a victory in 22 previous attempts across his managerial career with Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham, registering seven draws and 15 defeats.

When the whistle finally blew, Liverpool quickly asserted their dominance. The reigning Premier League champions wasted no time in making their mark, with Ryan Gravenberch opening the scoring after just 10 minutes. The Dutch midfielder delivered a stunning lofted finish from a Mohamed Salah pass, leaving Everton's Jordan Pickford with no chance. Liverpool doubled their lead before the half-hour mark, courtesy of Hugo Ekitike. Gravenberch turned provider, setting up Ekitike for his fourth goal of the season and his first-ever in the Merseyside derby, which he clinically dispatched past Pickford with a low shot. The rapid and decisive build-up play for both goals underscored Liverpool's electrifying attacking prowess under Arne Slot.

Despite being two goals down, David Moyes' Everton displayed resilience and ambition, slowly working their way back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded in the 58th minute when Idrissa Gueye netted a powerful rising drive. The goal came after a precise cross from Jack Grealish, which found Iliman Ndiaye at the far post, who then set up the veteran Senegalese midfielder. However, the match also featured a moment of controversy when Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall received a bizarre yellow card for taking a quick free-kick in the second half while his side was trailing. Referee Darren England called him back and brandished the card, a decision that baffled many fans and ignited online debate about the state of officiating in the sport.

Arne Slot's Liverpool continued to captivate audiences with their high-drama performances. The team's fast, furious, and direct attacking style has made them a compelling watch, creating constant storylines and an almost unpredictable flow to their games, a marked difference from the possession-heavy approach often seen with teams like Manchester City. Slot's formidable squad depth was also evident, with high-value summer signings like Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Jeremie Frimpong, collectively valued at over £260 million, starting the match on the bench. This impressive array of talent highlights the strength and competitive edge of Liverpool's current roster, reinforcing Slot's assertion that everyone wants to watch his side.

Ultimately, Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their rivals. This win marked their fifth consecutive Premier League success, extending their flawless start to the season and consolidating their position at the top of the table. Despite the late nerves and Everton's spirited comeback, Slot's defending champions held firm, demonstrating their ability to ride out pressure and maintain their winning momentum. The Merseyside derby once again delivered intense action and significant talking points, further cementing Liverpool's status as a formidable and exciting force in European football.