Liverpool wary of improved Everton despite Toffees’ poor Anfield record

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Liverpool wary of improved Everton despite Toffees’ poor Anfield record

Liverpool’s title charge resumes with the Merseyside derby, a fixture steeped in history and intensity. This time, however, the stakes are clear — win, keep control, and edge closer to reclaiming the Premier League crown.

James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equaliser in February denied Liverpool three points at Goodison Park. That result stung, but it has done little to derail their momentum at the top of the table. If anything, it serves as a reminder that no game is won on paper.

Before the international break, there were doubts. A brutal week saw Liverpool exit the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and lose the EFL Cup final to Newcastle United. Their performance against Southampton in the league was also far from convincing. Yet, Arne Slot remains firm in his belief that his side is primed for the season’s final stretch.

“The players are refreshed, in my opinion,” he said ahead of the derby. “It wasn’t all negative. We played a final against a very good Newcastle team, and against PSG, we defended really well. You can always look at the result, but I was proud of our performance.”

That mentality will be crucial. Liverpool have been relentless at Anfield, winning 17 of their last 19 home league games. They have also scored at least twice in their previous 15 domestic home matches. With Everton in town, that dominance must continue.

Everton, though, are a different prospect under David Moyes. A nine-game unbeaten league run has steered them clear of relegation worries. They have drawn four straight matches, but their resilience has been evident. Slot knows his side cannot afford complacency.

“They didn’t lose one football game in the last nine Premier League games, so it would be a surprise if they were going to do something different,” he said. “And we are top of the league, so it would be strange if we were going to change something as well.”

Everton’s record at Anfield is dreadful. They have lost all of their last seven away derbies played in front of a crowd and are winless in 26 league meetings at the ground this century. Moyes himself has never won a league game there, suffering 19 defeats — the worst such run of any manager at a single stadium.

For Liverpool, this is the first of nine remaining fixtures, each as decisive as a final. Slot has no illusions about what is required.

“These games are very important for us, the upcoming nine,” he said. “Not only because it’s the Merseyside derby, but also because we are in such a great position in the league.”

That position must be protected. The finish line is in sight, and any slip now could be costly.

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