Omari Benjamin’s brace secured Everton’s win in the first Merseyside Derby of the season.
Liverpool started stronger, constantly testing their opponents in midfield, but it was Everton who had the first decent chance. Omari Benjamin fired high and wide, but his presence would not be forgotten by the Everton defenders.
Liverpool responded promptly, thanks to Trey Nyoni and Ranel Young efforts, but they were all too easy for Everton keeper Zan-Luk Leban.
The first half may have ended goalless, but there were chances aplenty and solid defensive displays from both sides.
That narrative didn’t change after the break. Liverpool kept pushing, without success as Leban put in his best performance of the season, saving every danger
With time running out, Everton took the lead on 65 minutes. Charlie Whitaker’s precise pass found Benjamin who made no mistake.
The Toffees intensified their attack, creating multiple scoring opportunities. The pressure all became too much for Liverpool and Benjamin was on hand again to grab his converted second of the afternoon, sealing the win, his fourth goal of the season.
A crucial save by Leban in the last minutes denied any chance of Liverpool getting back into the game, crowning an outstanding defensive performance.
Everton move to 8th place in the Premier League 2 table, and will aim to maintain this form in their next game against Accrington Stanley.
Liverpool now sit fourth in the league, below Manchester City and Brighton, next up for them, with their midweek Premier League International Cup fixture against Hertha Berlin.
