Danny Murphy has praised Liverpool’s flawless start to the Premier League campaign as a ‘really good sign’, despite the Reds not yet reaching peak performance levels.
The Merseyside outfit have secured five victories from five matches in the top flight, including a triumph over local rivals Everton, to occupy the summit with a six-point advantage.
The Reds’ earlier successes against Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Burnley were complemented by a hard-earned victory in the opening Merseyside derby of the campaign at Anfield. First-half strikes from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike secured the points, despite Idrissa Gueye reducing the deficit for Everton following the interval.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Murphy observed that whilst none of Liverpool’s displays could be described as vintage, this isn’t necessarily problematic/
“There’s good signs, because in most matches they’ve had great moments,” the former Liverpool midfielder said.
“I think in midweek (against Atletico Madrid) they were really good bar the little spell in the second-half – today (against Everton) the more obvious thing was the fatigue. But still so many new players forming relationships and understanding what each of them does.”
Murphy also emphasized that Arne Slot’s new forwards are still settling in, stating: “Ekitike is different to [Alexander] Isak – so if you’re playing with either one you have to learn their traits. So to win five our of five without playing at your best is a phenomenal start for them and actually is a really good sign.”
Joining Murphy for the highlights programme was Everton supporter Wayne Rooney. Despite Ekitike netting the crucial goal against his beloved Toffees, the former striker was thoroughly impressed by the new signing from the Bundesliga.
“Ekitike, he’s a good player. He’s really clever here,” Rooney remarked whilst analysing the Frenchman’s latest strike.
“He can see that [Vitalii] Mykolenko is deeper, he knows he can stay in behind Michael Keane. Michael Keane can’t get back, [James] Tarkowski isn’t quick enough to cover.
“Just here, that allows Ekitike to get his shot off and it is a fantastic finish – it makes it very difficult for Everton to get back into the game.”
Liverpool pause their Premier League campaign with a Carabao Cup third round encounter against Championship outfit Southampton this coming Tuesday, September 23.
They then resume their quest for consecutive titles with a trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace next weekend – the final side to defeat Slot’s team, on penalties in last month’s Community Shield.
Alongside Liverpool, the Eagles are the only other undefeated team in England’s top division this season after Chelsea lost to Manchester United on Saturday evening.
