Liverpool’s loss of composure after the final whistle at Goodison Park was entirely understandable, given the provocation from Abdoulaye Doucouré’s celebrations in front of the away supporters. However, their lack of control before the final whistle was uncharacteristic for an Arne Slot team and contributed to the frustration that boiled over in their last Merseyside derby at the stadium.
Despite the chaotic scenes at the end, Liverpool still held a seven-point lead over an Arsenal side struggling without a natural striker. Yet, concerns remained over a second consecutive subpar performance at the home of their fiercest rivals. They managed to escape with a point, but the nature of James Tarkowski’s dramatic 98th-minute equalizer made the result even harder to accept.
Everton executed a disciplined and relentless game plan, denying Liverpool space, cutting off passing options, and delivering early balls into the penalty area. The visitors struggled to settle and looked uncomfortable in possession. The control and patience that have been the foundation of their title charge were rarely seen, aside from the build-up to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah. With four crucial games in the next 11 days against Wolves, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Newcastle, rediscovering that composure is essential.
Liverpool managed just six shots at Jordan Pickford’s goal, four on target—their lowest tally in the league this season and the fewest since registering four attempts against Manchester City in April 2023. In contrast, Everton, despite lacking firepower beyond a lone fit striker in Beto, recorded ten attempts, three on target.
The visitors’ frantic playstyle was highlighted by their 64 long balls, matching their highest total this season. This approach played directly into Everton’s strengths, with their aerially dominant defense of Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Jake O’Brien comfortably dealing with Liverpool’s directness. Ryan Gravenberch, a typically influential presence in midfield, found himself nullified and was substituted in the 61st minute.
After the match, Virgil van Dijk acknowledged that Liverpool could have performed better but credited Everton’s intensity. He pointed out how their aggressive pressing and reliance on second balls made life difficult for his team, forcing them into physical battles rather than allowing them to dictate play.
Liverpool’s frustrations were exacerbated by the officiating, with Michael Oliver’s decisions drawing criticism from both sides. However, both teams were perhaps fortunate to finish with a full complement of players, as a stricter referee could have shown red cards before the final whistle.
Slot, typically composed, was visibly agitated throughout the contest. His pre-match analysis had highlighted the importance of avoiding cheap fouls—something Liverpool failed to do, conceding 20 free kicks, their highest total of the season. His calls for calmness went unheeded, and he himself lost his cool as tensions flared.
Van Dijk later expressed his disappointment with the referee’s control over the game, noting inconsistencies in decision-making. He also defended Curtis Jones, whose involvement in the post-match melee resulted in a red card, arguing that such reactions were inevitable given the circumstances.
Conceding so late in the match, beyond the allocated stoppage time in Van Dijk’s view, was a bitter pill to swallow. He believed there was a foul on Ibrahima Konaté in the build-up to Everton’s equalizer, adding to Liverpool’s frustration. However, he emphasized the importance of moving on quickly, refocusing on the upcoming clash with Wolves, and ensuring the team remains in the right mindset for the title run-in.
