Liverpool defeated city rivals Everton 2-1 in the fifth match of the 2025/26 Premier League season, thanks to goals from Gravenberch and Ekitik. The 23-year-old Ekitik expressed his delight at the Merseyside derby victory and expressed his hope to continue contributing significantly to Liverpool's campaign.

In the 10th minute of the game, Salah made a lob pass from the right to the penalty area, and Gravenberch seized the opportunity to volley the ball into the goal, giving Liverpool a 1-0 lead.

In the 29th minute, Gravenberch passed the ball directly to the penalty area, and Ekitik received it and scored with a low shot while dealing with the defense, helping Liverpool extend their lead to 2-0.

In the 58th minute of the second half, Grealish broke through the defense and made a cross. Ndiaye passed the ball back directly, and Gueye shot it in, helping Everton to tie the game at 1-2.

In the end, Liverpool defeated Everton 2-1 at Anfield and achieved five consecutive victories.

After five Premier League matches this season, new signing Ekitik has already contributed three goals and one assist for Liverpool, demonstrating impressive form. "It was truly fantastic," Ekitik said in an interview. "Of course, I know how important this game is to the fans, so this victory was incredibly important. I felt the atmosphere in the stadium, and the fans' cheers were incredibly loud."

"It's a proud feeling and it's very happy, but we have to keep moving forward. The team played well in the first half, but when the opponent got a goal back, the game became a little difficult, but we kept the right mentality until the end, and I think that was the key in the end."

Ekitik also said, "If you ask me, of course I hope to score in every game. I didn't score in the last game, but I always try to find ways to make changes. Whether it is scoring, assisting, or creating space for teammates through running, it's good. But in the end, the most important thing is that the team gets 3 points."

On the other hand, Liverpool will host Southampton at home in the third round of this season's English League Cup, and this is also an opportunity for Slaughter's team to fight for another championship.

Ekitik added, "Football is about the present. We can be happy until tomorrow, but when we wake up we have to start again. We have a cup game coming up and we have to stay focused and keep moving forward. We have a busy schedule but we have to keep working hard to achieve our goals."