Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result and final score as ...
Everton claimed their first win over Liverpool at Goodison Park since 2010 as they dealt Jurgen Klopp’s side a major blow in the title race and all but secured their Premier League status in a frantic Merseyside derby.
Liverpool could not deal with Everton’s aerial bombardment as goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and an inspired Dominic Calvert-Lewin lifted Sean Dyche’s side to just their second win over the Reds in 14 years.
The result was catastrophic for Liverpool’s title hopes, with Klopp’s side now three points behind Arsenal with four games to go. Manchester City would go five points clear of Liverpool should they win their two games in hand.
Everton made a blistering start and took a deserved lead midway through the first half when Branthwaite scrambled in after Liverpool failed to clear their box following a set-piece.
Liverpool responded but Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah wasted promising opportunities before half-time, before Calvert-Lewin rose from a corner to powerfully nod in at the back post.
There would be no comeback as Everton celebrated a famous derby win and Liverpool looked to crash out of the title race. Follow live updates and reaction from Everton vs Liverpool in the Premier League
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updatesFULL TIME! Everton 2-0 Liverpool
Everton land title race blow with first win over Liverpool at Goodison Park since 2010
69’ POST! Diaz rattles upright as Liverpool look to salvage points (EVE 2-0 LIV)
58’ GOAL! Calvert-Lewin powers in header from corner to stun title-challengers (EVE 2-0 LIV)
HALF TIME! Liverpool require second-half comeback to keep title hopes alive (EVE 1-0 LIV)
36’ CHANCE! Nunez put through through but blasts straight at Pickford (EVE 1-0 LIV)
27’ GOAL! Branthwaite forces ball over line after Liverpool fail to clear (EVE 1-0 LIV)
16’ SAVE! Alisson keeps out Calvert-Lewin header following frantic start (EVE 0-0 LIV)
6’ NO PENALTY! Calvert-Lewin offside before being brought down by Alisson (EVE 0-0 LIV)
Everton FC 2 - 0 Liverpool FC
Report: The moment Liverpool surrendered their Premier League title challenge22:38 , Sonia Twigg
So now Jurgen Klopp has another reason why he will not to miss the Merseyside derby. His last trip to Goodison Park was his worst. On a night when Everton had multiple reasons to celebrate, they saw off Klopp with the result that all but secures them a 71st consecutive season of top-flight football and may in effect finish off Liverpool’s title challenge. “You lost the league at Goodison Park,” chorused the Evertonians. Klopp has caused them untold pain over the last eight years. Finally, he was given a taste of how painful Merseyside derbies can be for the losers.
The moment Liverpool surrendered their Premier League title challenge
Jurgen Klopp speaks after his side’s Merseyside derby defeat22:59 , Sonia Twigg
Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports: “I’m very disappointed. We let it happen to become the game Everton wanted. Two goals from set pieces. They are really strong. But we created a lot and didn’t score. Then in the second half we were emotional and in a rush, not really clear enough. Then we concede a second goal with a routine they do the whole season - we knew the ball was going there we just didn’t defend it well enough. It was free-kick after free-kick. That was part of the story. But we wasn’t good enough.
“I didn’t expect that performance but it happened. It’s not the greatest moment we’re in but you have to fight through it, use your moments to get your momentum. We had a bit of that after Fulham but our two strikers, one is injured [Jota} and the other is a father [Gakpo]. That’s not helpful.”
Virgil van Dijk questions Liverpool’s hunger after Everton defeat: ‘We have to look in the mirror’22:51 , Sonia Twigg
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk questioned his side’s hunger to win the Premier League and said “everyone has to look in the mirror” a 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park all but ended their title hopes under Jurgen Klopp.
Everton’s physical approach overwhelmed Liverpool as goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned the hosts a famous win in the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool are just three points behind leaders Arsenal with four games to go, but Manchester City have two games in hand on Klopp’s side and would go four points above them if they win both.
Virgil van Dijk questions Liverpool’s hunger after Everton defeat
‘This is the end’: Jamie Carragher declares Liverpool’s title challenge over after Everton defeat22:37 , Sonia Twigg
Jamie Carragher believes defeat to Everton “is the end” of Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League title in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at the club.
Liverpool were beaten 2-0 at Goodison Park in the Merseyside derby as goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved too much for the visitors.
Branthwaite opened the scoring in the first half, tapping the ball in at the near post after Liverpool failed to clear.
After the break, Calvert-Lewin headed the ball powerfully into the back of the net, and his physical presence caused a problem for the Reds all night.
Liverpool are three points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race, while Manchester City can go four points clear if they win their two games in hand.
‘This is the end’: Carragher declares Liverpool’s title challenge over
22:35 , Sonia Twigg
Van Dijk said: “It’s a combination of a lot of things that are not falling into place and obviously the last game I think the Fulham game was still an improvement but in so many ways we have to do much better.”
When asked if they were out-fought, he said: “yes, unnecessarily. These games are always a big fight and something that we shouldn’t have lost in my opinion but we did and now we have to pick ourselves up and be ready for the early kick off on Saturday.”
Everton 2-0 Liverpool22:33 , Sonia Twigg
Van Dijk added: “I think you try to force things, and we did so many crosses where they could clear it quite easily. I still think in the first half we had clear-cut chances that we should have scored, but eventually we weren’t good enough.
“We start with a fight we all have to do much better and we can’t let things happen like tonight. We have to do much better in every sense and it’s a tough one.”
He added: “I wish I had a proper answer (for why it’s not working) we are in this situation because we have been very consistent throughout the whole season, even with all injuries that we had, the players that came in did a job and the young players that came in did well and we were in a good position.
“I think everyone at the start of the season would never have been thinking that we would be competing for the title but I don’t care what everyone says at the start. We are here now and we have to do much better, and it starts with the fight, it starts with the will to win you challenges and be confident in scoring goals and that’s what we have been lacking a little bit.”
22:29 , Sonia Twigg
Virgil Van Dijk said to Sky Sports: “Listen, very disappointed in so many ways and I think everyone has something to look in the mirror and looking at their own performances and did they really give everything, and do they really want to win the league and obviously we are fighting and there are still games left after tonight, but if we play like we did overall in a game like today.
“And not really winning challenges and giving the ref an opportunity to give a free kick like he did many times then we have no chance to win the title and it’s a tough one and we have to do much better against a side that’s playing against relegation and it’s time to focus on the 12.30 kick off.”
Everton 2-0 Liverpool22:25 , Sonia Twigg
Calvert-Lewin said to Sky Sports: “It (being Everton number 9) is everything, it’s what I’ve worked for, it’s where I wanted to be. I just see it as a great privilege, pressure is a privilege and I just think it’s a great thing to carry that and it’s nice when you work hard and you get the reward with a goal.
“It (scoring on derby nights) is extra-special isn’t it, local derby, I’ve been here long enough to know what it means to the fans, what it means to me, a great result given the circumstances.
“Where we are in the league we needed the three points, and gave everything out there tonight.”
Everton 2-0 Liverpool22:17 , Sonia Twigg
Jordan Pickford spoke to Sky Sports after the final whistle: “This is my first time winning the derby at home, great atmosphere, great application from the lads and thoroughly deserved it, it was a massive win for club, for the rivalry and in the league as well and hard work pays off.”
Everton 2-0 Liverpool22:06 , Sonia Twigg
Jamie Carragher said to Sky Sports: “This is the end of the title run for Liverpool.
“It almost feels like the end. They just have to make sure they finish the season strongly.
“They are not clinical enough in both boxes.”
22:05 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of the second half:
(Getty Images)
(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
(REUTERS)
FT: Everton 2-0 Liverpool22:00 , Sonia Twigg
FT: Salah has a shot, but Pickford is able to dive and make the save and that will be Liverpool’s final chance of the night.
Everton fans are on their feet celebrating and it is one that will live long in the memory for those in blue, while on the other hand it puts a dent in Klopp’s impressive derby record.
The Blues came out of the blocks organised and with conviction. In the first half their long-ball tactics and the strength of Calvert-Lewin at the top caused problems for Liverpool and after going a goal behind the comeback experts were not able to find a way back into the game.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:57 , Sonia Twigg
90+3 min: Jurgen Klopp rested quite a few players for this game, but the performance itself has been disjointed and unlike what the title contenders have shown for the majority of this season.
Diaz and Mac Allister are shown yellow cards and the visitors are losing their heads slightly now, and will have to be careful not to make this worse.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:54 , Sonia Twigg
90+1 min: There will be five minutes of stoppage time.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:53 , Sonia Twigg
89 min: Godfrey heads the ball behind for another corner, Tsmikas takes...the ball comes out to Elliott, who hits it nicely, and Pickford had to be alert to tip the ball over the bar.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:50 , Sonia Twigg
87 min: Everton are just trying to hold on to the ball as long as they can here, every free kick and throw in is taken at ease as they edge towards a memorable victory.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:48 , Sonia Twigg
84 min: After coming off, Alexander-Arnold has his shirt over his head. This does mean a lot to the Liverpool players, who might feel like they are watching any chance they did have of another league title under Jurgen Klopp just slip away.
21:47 , Sonia Twigg
83 min: Quansah slid tackled Doucoure, and the Toffees player might wear that for a bit! Quansah made contact with the ball but his follow-through was slightly vicious.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:45 , Sonia Twigg
82 min: Jurgen Klopp has thrown all his hats in the ring, made the last of his chances, but will it be enough?
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:42 , Sonia Twigg
79 min: Salah skies another one! It was a jab at a ball that just bobbled up, Liverpool are having a lot of the ball, but they haven’t come that close to finding a way back into this match.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:41 , Sonia Twigg
78 min: Mac Allister has gone down seemingly in pain after a coming together with Doucoure, but he has got back to hit feet and the game will continue.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:39 , Sonia Twigg
76 min: Liverpool have scored 27 goals after the 76th minute this campaign, but they will need something special to get something out of this game.
POST! Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:36 , Sonia Twigg
73 min: Another Liverpool attack does not result in a breakthrough and Pickford has time to calm things down with a free kick.
POST! Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:33 , Sonia Twigg
69 min: POST! Diaz takes it on himself, creates some space by outwitting Godfrey and the ball crashes into the woodwork!
That was by far the closest Liverpool have come in the match so far.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:29 , Sonia Twigg
66 min: Another corner almost brings another chance, Branthwaite heads wide, but it was another warning sign for Liverpool.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:27 , Sonia Twigg
64 min: Everton almost had another! A mistake almost leaves McNeil with a shot, although Van Dijk was able to get back and make the block that time.
Everton 2-0 Liverpool21:25 , Sonia Twigg
61 min: Liverpool have a corner, and they will need something soon to find a way back into this match. The ball was headed down by Van Dijk, but Nunez was not able to get on the end of it.
21:22 , Sonia Twigg
58 min: GOAL! Calvert Lewin rises highest from the subsequent corner and nods the ball into the back of the net, Godfrey blocks Van Dijk and the Everton forward just powerfully knocks the ball past Alisson.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:20 , Sonia Twigg
57 min: SAVE! McNeil tries his luck from distance and hits it really well, but Alison is able to jump up and tip the ball over the bar!
Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:19 , Sonia Twigg
56 min: Liverpool have had 86 percent of the possession this half, but they have not been able to find the breakthrough they so desperately need to stay in touching distance to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:18 , Sonia Twigg
55 min: Chance! Everton counter, the ball is worked well, but Gueye scuffs the final shot.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:17 , Sonia Twigg
54 min: Chance! Diaz did a lot of running, and the ball was eventually played to Robertson, he misses his kick completely, but the flag goes up for offside so it would not have counted.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:16 , Sonia Twigg
53 min: Szoboszlai has a shot blocked, and Everton cannot find a way to make the most of the counter-attacking opportunity.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:13 , Sonia Twigg
50 min: Liverpool are just trying to keep the ball and find a way through this Everton side, but it won’t be an easy task, especially with the loud home support.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:11 , Sonia Twigg
48 min: Robertson will take the corner...he finds Van Dijk, but the centre-back’s header was straight at Pickford.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:10 , Sonia Twigg
47 min: Nunez and Robertson link up on the left, the defender crosses the ball, but the home side clear it for a corner.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:08 , Sonia Twigg
46 mins: Everton make one change as Liverpool get the second half underway, with Ashley Young on for Mykolenko.
HT: Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:08 , Sonia Twigg
The players are coming out onto the pitch for the second half
HT: Everton 1-0 Liverpool21:04 , Sonia Twigg
Wayne Rooney on Sky Sports, said: “Liverpool have to play with more intensity.”
HT: Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:58 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos from the first half:
(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
(REUTERS)
(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
HT: Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:52 , Sonia Twigg
HT: Liverpool had finally started to dominate and play their own game, camped around the Everton area.
But for all that pressure, they were unable to capitalise and the referee blew the half time whistle.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:50 , Sonia Twigg
45+4: Liverpool are just playing the ball around and trying to work it into the Everton box, the home side will want that whistle as soon as possible.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:47 , Sonia Twigg
45+1: There will be six minutes of added time at the end of the first half at Goodison Park.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:46 , Sonia Twigg
45 min: CHANCE! Salah has two chances at it, the first is straight into an Everton defender, but it comes back to the Egyptian, who leans back too far and the ball sails over the bar.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:45 , Sonia Twigg
44 min: SAVE! Pickford has to make a save to deny Diaz’s shot, the Liverpool forward was slightly off balance, but it’s another chance.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:44 , Sonia Twigg
43 min: After that delay and exaggeration, Mykolenko will continue.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:42 , Sonia Twigg
41 min: Mykolenko is down and looks to be in a substantial amount of pain, the angle of his ankle is reportedly so bad, the replays will not be shown on Sky Sports.;
It was in the landing, that his left ankle turned, and he was holding it and banging the ground.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:41 , Sonia Twigg
40 min: Just five minutes to go until half time, and Liverpool have not put their own stamp on the game so far.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:38 , Sonia Twigg
37 min: Everton have another free kick, and Van Dijk has been shown the yellow card for his reaction.
Liverpool are losing their heads slightly here.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:36 , Sonia Twigg
35 min: CHANCE! Nunez is played in by Salah, it’s a lovely move, but his shot goes straight at Jordan Pickford, and he should have done better there.
Liverpool’s first shot on target.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:34 , Sonia Twigg
32 min: Liverpool’s passage of play is just being slowed down, Salah has been kept quiet so far, and the front three have not seen much of the ball at all.
Gary Neville exclaims about Nunez: “His touch, his touch, when is he going to polish his game?” almost in exasperation.
Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:31 , Sonia Twigg
30 min: Liverpool try and push forward, but Everton are just chasing them down and cutting off passes.
The Reds have not found a rhythm at all today, it’s been a physical contest, and they have found themselves on the back foot.
VAR check! Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:30 , Sonia Twigg
29 min: The check has gone on for a long time...BUT THE GOAL STANDS!
GOAL! Everton 1-0 Liverpool20:28 , Sonia Twigg
27 mins: GOAL! Branthwaite has forced the ball over the line!
Liverpool could not clear the ball, Alisson almost saved it, but Branthwaite’s effort trickled over the line, and the home side have their crucial goal.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:27 , Sonia Twigg
26 min: The ball across the box is headed away by Van Dijk, as Tarkowski was arriving.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:26 , Sonia Twigg
25 min: Another rash challenge from Konate, but he can’t complain about that one, pushing Calvert-Lewin when he was in the air.
Everton have another free kick.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:25 , Sonia Twigg
24 min: Liverpool have not been able to get Salah into the game at all, and another long probing ball goes straight back to the home side, and the Egyptian raises his arms in frustration.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:23 , Sonia Twigg
22 min: Liverpool have a corner , but it’s headed away by Mykolenko.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:21 , Sonia Twigg
20 min: Everton’s high press is just forcing Liverpool backwards, and they have to resort to long balls.
Although one almost picked out Nunez, but Pickford was able to gather.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:19 , Sonia Twigg
18 min: Liverpool might have dominated possession, but all the early chances have fallen in favour of the home side, including a penalty appeal ruled out for offside.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:18 , Sonia Twigg
17 min: SAVE! Alisson has to make a smart save to deny Calvert-Lewin from close range!
Everton are capitalising on these set-pieces so far and really putting the pressure on the title-contenders.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:17 , Sonia Twigg
15 min: Everton have another free kick, this time a foul by Jones.
They don’t look comfortable when Everton get forward and have so far not put their own mark on the game.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:14 , Sonia Twigg
13 min: Godfrey heads over from a tight angle, but he had a free header, the Liverpool markers just left him in a bit of space at the back post.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:13 , Sonia Twigg
12 min: Everton’s direct-balls are proving difficult for the visitors, and the Toffees have been awarded a free-kick just outside the area after a foul by Mac Allister.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:11 , Sonia Twigg
10 min: A stunning pass from Alexander-Arnold almost brings a breakthrough, Salah just passed it across the face of goal, and Godfrey slid in to tap the ball behind in a moment of stunning defending.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:10 , Sonia Twigg
9 min: Liverpool get forward, but a long cross from Robertson had too much on it for Salah.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:09 , Sonia Twigg
7 min: There will be no penalty because of an offside, VAR has ruled. Alisson’s yellow card has also been ruled out.
An early let off for those in red.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:08 , Sonia Twigg
6 min: VAR checking the offside in the build up, there was no doubt about the penalty, Alisson hesitates and brings him down.
But was Calvert-Lewin offside when the ball was played, the lines are going to be drawn.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:07 , Sonia Twigg
5 min: PENALTY! Alisson has been judged to have brought down Calvert-Lewin and the referee has pointed to the spot.
There will be an offside check however...
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:04 , Sonia Twigg
3 min: Doucoure goes inches wide! Liverpool were struggling to clear the ball, Konate had a chance to head it clear but a deflected cross takes it into the path of Doucoure who scuffs it wide.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:03 , Sonia Twigg
2 mins: A tame ball up towards Diaz is claimed by Pickford, Liverpool have had most of the ball so far.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool20:01 , Sonia Twigg
1 min: Everton kick the game underway.
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE19:58 , Sonia Twigg
A reminder ahead of kick off that David Moyes was the last Everton manager to win a home Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE19:57 , Sonia Twigg
The flags are being waved in the stands and the teams are just making their way out of the tunnel to the traditional Z Cars.
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE19:55 , Sonia Twigg
The match will kick off in just under five minutes’ time
Jurgen Klopp speaks to Sky Sports19:50 , Sonia Twigg
Ahead of the contest, the boss told Sky Sports: "Not only [to keep things fresh], two of them are not available tonight.
"Diogo [Jota] is injured and Cody probably has the best excuse of all! Timing is not great, but much more important, right now they are expecting a baby; now, maybe!
"So, these are two changes we had to make. And then [in] midfield [it] makes sense, the boys played together before. We need fresh legs today as much as we can. Ibou coming back, I don't know who else, I don't think it's too many besides that.
"We meet a good team, we have a good team and now we have to play good football."
19:45 , Sonia Twigg
The Everton boss added: “We want to take it on in front of our home fans without a doubt.”
When asked about the message to his team, Dyche said: “It’s a squad mentality, we’ve spoken to them about this all season, particularly after the varying point situations.
“The challenge is about the whole squad, it’s not about any starting XI, it’s about the whole squad playing a part.”
Sean Dyche speaks ahead of kick off19:43 , Sonia Twigg
Sean Dyche said to Sky Sports: “It’s felt strange (that this is his first Merseyside derby) but we’re off the back of two wins, two clean sheets, and we’ve got to build on that.
“It’s not easy against sides like this, they’re chasing their own, different agenda.
“Ours is to try and look after ourselves, theirs is to win a title.”
Cody Gakpo is missing the game for the birth of his child19:38 , Sonia Twigg
Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports: “The timing with Cody [Gakpo] is not great but they’re expecting a baby about now!”
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE19:35 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of the players warming up:
(Getty Images)
(EPA)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE19:30 , Sonia Twigg
Now, Slot looks set for a highly-anticipated move away from the Netherlands. He is said to be eager to join Liverpool, with compensation set to be around the £10m mark, and the release clause in his contract can’t be activated until next year.
Slot is known for his aggressive, dominant style of football and places a big emphasis on developing young players and improving senior stars at his disposal. He plays with a high defensive line and usually utilises a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Out of possession, his teams press high, making his philosophy not too far away from Klopp and the style he could inherit at Liverpool.
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE - more on Slot19:25 , Sonia Twigg
He was a No 2 under three different head coaches before he took interim charge in October 2016, with the club 14th in the second division. However, he helped them to third in the league, missing out on promotion in the play-offs and a spot in the Dutch Cup final – having earlier beaten Ajax – on penalties in the semi-finals.
Despite his impressive first outing as a head coach, Slot moved to AZ Alkmaar to be assistant to John van den Brom. He stayed in his role for two seasons before he succeeded Van den Brom as head coach. He finished second behind Ajax on goal-difference but the Eredivisie was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.
Slot was then sacked as AZ head coach in December 2020, having negotiated a deal to join rivals Feyenoord for the following season. The coach left with 2.11 points per game in the league, the highest of any coach in AZ history.
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE19:20 , Sonia Twigg
A closer look at Slot:
Prior to his coaching journey, Slot enjoyed an 18-year playing career as a midfielder in the Netherlands, playing for seven years at FC Zwolle and five years at NAC Breda.
He was part of a promotion-winning side at the former from the second tier to the top-flight, while he finished fourth in the Eredivisie at Breda and played in the UEFA Cup against Newcastle United in 2003, losing 6-0 on aggregate.
Slot, known for his passing and vision, later had spells at Sparta Rotterdam and PEC Zwolle before retiring in 2013 at the age of 35.
But in the last 10 years, he has developed steadily as a coach. The Dutchman moved straight away onto the coaching staff at first division club PEC Zwolle, working as a youth coach for one year before moving on to be assistant at then-Eredivisie side Cambuur.
Who is Arne Slot? The Feyenoord manager in talks to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool19:15 , Sonia Twigg
Before Jurgen Klopp’s final Merseyside derby, here is a look at the man who could replace him at the helm.
Liverpool are in talks with Feyenoord over appointing Arne Slot as the club’s next manager in the summer.
The Reds have been eyeing a replacement for Jurgen Klopp ever since the German made it known to executives in November that he would leave the club at the end of the current season.
Liverpool, currently in a three-way race for the Premier League title, were hit in their search when early favourite Xabi Alonso decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has also been linked with the job.
But Slot, who this season has won the Dutch Cup and won the Eredivisie last year, is now the favourite – yet who is the 45-year-old and what has he done to be a frontrunner for the Anfield vacancy?
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE19:10 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos from around the ground:
(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Everton team news19:05 , Sonia Twigg
Everton have made two changes from their win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Ashley Young, who was sent off in the match at Anfield, has been replaced by Ben Godfrey, and James Garner comes in for Andre Gomes.
Beto is out due to concussion protocols following the incident at the weekend.
Everton XI: Pickford, Godfrey, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Harrison, Doucoure, Garner, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin.
Liverpool team news19:02 , Sonia Twigg
The teams are in, Liverpool will start with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah against their local rivals, as Jurgen Klopp made six changes from the team that beat Fulham.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Diaz, Salah, Nunez
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates18:56 , Sonia Twigg
The teams will be announced in less than five minutes’ time
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates18:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Team news should be coming shortly. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a doubt for Everton while Seamus Coleman has been ruled out. While for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister should return to the line-up but Diogo Jota has joined Connor Bradley on the sidelines.
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates18:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Everton’s winless run against Liverpool at Goodison Park is their longest against any team in their history.
The Toffees are without a win in their last 12 Premier League home games against the Reds, drawing nine and losing three.
Jurgen Klopp could became the first Liverpool manager in history to win 10 league games against Everton.
(Getty Images)
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates18:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Mohamed Salah has five goals in his last five league appearances against Everton but has struggled for form since returning from a hamstring injury. Salah has not scored or assisted a goal from open play since the 2-1 win over Brighton at the end of March, but has a strong record against the Toffees.
(Getty Images)
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates17:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is a leading candidate to take over at Liverpool as the Merseyside club look to appoint Jurgen Klopp’s successor, writes Richard Jolly.
Their search for their next manager has interest in the 45-year-old Dutchman, who won Feyenoord’s first Eredivisie title in six years last season and the KNVB Cup this week and who was a contender for the Tottenham job last summer before deciding to stay in the Netherlands.
Slot has emerged as a frontrunner after Liverpool missed on Xabi Alonso after their former midfielder opted to stay with Bayer Leverkusen, who have just won the German title, while they have also considered the merits of Ruben Amorim, the Sporting Lisbon manager who has held talks with West Ham.
Slot’s attacking style of play and track record of improving young players are thought to tally with Liverpool’s requirements while the Dutchman, who is under contract until 2026, is likely to leave his home country in his next move.
Liverpool identify leading candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp as manager
17:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Why ‘the worst run club in the country’ is now playing for its future
As Liverpool prepare for a derby that could decide their title challenge, there are already comments around the training ground about how Everton will inevitably play above themselves. That would be quite a rise, though, because Sean Dyche’s side have been largely dismal. They may have won at the weekend against Nottingham Forest but it’s not like morale is much better. The controversy around Forest’s post-match statement, criticising refereeing decisions, only adds to the mood. There’s been a sense of getting away with it, as much bigger issues weigh over the club. If Liverpool are playing for Jurgen Klopp’s place in history, Everton are playing for their future. It really is that extreme, with the club potentially weeks from administration.
Even on the football side, few are exactly happy, which sums up the modern Everton. They have become a tragic case study for many of the problems in the modern game. A lot of the issues that complicate football in 2024 can be seen at Goodison Park, as if the distinctive history of this great club has uniquely distilled all these problems. That goes from the pitch to almost everything off it. There’s how you play, how a club is run, what a club can aim for, how you compete, how you spend, the economy of the sport, right up to regulations and - above all - ownership.
Everton have brought all this together, writes Miguel Delaney
Why ‘the worst run club in the country’ is now playing for its future
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates16:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Everton manager Sean Dyche on his “massive respect” for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
“For what he has done there, and his other clubs. One thing I’ve learned about management is it’s not easy to build things, and he has done it at three different clubs.
“Two good wins, two clean sheets at home. We want to continue that form, whoever it’s against - and it just happens this one is against Liverpool.”
(PA)
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates16:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Sean Dyche is relishing the prospect of his first home Merseyside derby as Everton boss as the Toffees aim for another Goodison Park victory to take them closer to safety.
After going winless in 13 Premier League matches, Everton have triumphed in two of their last three, both at home, against fellow strugglers Burnley (1-0) on April 6 and Nottingham Forest (2-0) on Sunday.
That has left them five points clear of the relegation zone in 16th place with five games remaining, one more than the three teams directly below them: Forest, who like Everton are appealing against a points deduction, Luton and Burnley.
And the next two are also at home, against title-chasing Liverpool on Wednesday, then 15th-placed Brentford on Saturday.
Everton seeking a first derby win since 2021 and first at Goodison since 2010 and Dyche told a press conference: “The away game is different, because obviously the feel in the stadium.
“A home game - I’m well aware of all the records that people keep telling me - I’m looking forward to it. I didn’t grow up here, so I won’t have that depth of understanding - what I do understand is how important it is to be Everton’s manager, that’s for sure, in all games, and particularly this one, for obvious reasons.”
(Getty Images)
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates15:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Jurgen Klopp was surprised by criticism of his side’s performance in the 3-1 win at Fulham as the Liverpool manager insisted results are all that matter when the Premier League title race is this close.
“I know this is the last part of the season: it is not about playing the freshest football of the whole year - that would be strange if that works out with the schedule all the teams have,” Klopp said.
“But you have to win games and I think we know how to do that and we have to make sure everybody understands the way we want to try (on Wednesday).
“I wouldn’t say it was straightforward but until two weeks ago everything was probably better than anyone would have expected.
“Then you have this week (losing to Atalanta and Crystal Palace) when the performances were not as bad as the results felt afterwards.
“And then it is like, ‘Why don’t you score enough? If you look at our numbers, yes, there are two teams who have scored more than us (Arsenal and Manchester City) but it is not like there are two teams who scored 50 goals more than us.
“It is always about how you can get the right feeling again for the situation and the next game and we usually do that. I am really happy now with the response.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes five wins will make them champions (PA Wire)
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates15:24 , Jamie Braidwood
Jurgen Klopp has lost just one of his 18 matches against Everton as Liverpool manager, but with just two wins at Goodison Park in seven attempts.
Klopp’s five draws theere is more than any other away ground but Liverpool simply have to win if they are to keep pace with Arsenal and put the pressure on Manchester City.
“I don’t know exactly when my first derby was, 2016, but when I (first) came here it would not be honest if I said that is my game of the year. It wasn’t, I knew how important it was for the people, but didn’t feel it then,” he said.
“Now I know it and feel it. My understanding developed over the years. They are always difficult games, especially there, but it is not too important, what we had in the past.”
14:51 , Jamie Braidwood
The Premier League is heading for a classic title race, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal set for a three-way battle as we enter the final weeks of the season.
Pep Guardiola’s side are aiming to win a fourth league title in a row – a feat that has never been achieved in the history of English football, and the title is now in their hands after both Liverpool and Arsenal slipped up at home on that fateful Sunday two weeks ago.
But it’s not over yet. With City in action in the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend, both Arsenal and Liverpool were left with two games to play before City’s next Premier League fixture. It’s a chance for Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta to put the pressure on.
Arsenal did their job, beating Wolves away and then thrashing Chelsea to move four points clear of Guardiola’s side. Liverpool go next in a midweek Merseyside derby, before City travel to Brighton.
So, with four weeks to go, which team has the best fixtures and who has the hardest run of games to end the season?
Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures in the run-in?
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates14:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Crucial Merseyside derby brings unique pressure for Jurgen Klopp ahead of final clash with Everton
A Merseyside derby was Liverpool’s last game before Jurgen Klopp joined. Now he prepares for his last derby. He arrived in England with a sense of what it meant for those who grew up with it but, he reflected, “I would not be honest if I said it was my game of the year”. Some eight-and-a-half years later, as he looks forward to his 19th, “my understanding has developed”.
Improving his players’ grasp of the game involved a delve into Liverpool’s past, via clips of scousers who grew up on either side of the divide. “At the beginning I remember I showed the players videos of Carragher in the derby and Stevie where he got red cards – I love one, and respect the other a lot,” Klopp said; probably not in that order, either. Steven Gerrard was sent off twice against Everton, once for planting his studs into Kevin Campbell’s thigh as a teenager, once for collecting two cautions in the first 18 minutes as captain. There are Evertonians who think the boyhood Blue Jamie Carragher should have seen red as often.
A game nicknamed “the friendly derby” in earlier decades became notable for expulsions in the Premier League. “That’s what the people expect, that if you get a red card against Everton it’s fine. It’s not, it’s absolutely not because we want to win the game, and it’s the only reason why we go there,” Klopp rationalised.
Preview by Richard Jolly
Everton vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates14:07 , Jamie Braidwood
Diogo Jota has been ruled out for two weeks and will miss most of the rest of Liverpool’s season.
The forward, who has had an injury-hit campaign, got a knock during Sunday’s 3-1 win at Fulham, which was his first start since February.
And he will now miss Wednesday’s Merseyside derby along with Liverpool’s games against West Ham and Tottenham in a blow to Jurgen Klopp’s title-chasing team.
Klopp said: “He will be out for two weeks. Before which game where he didn’t start, he got a knock – normal challenge, then felt a little bit at the hip. That was then fine because we didn’t start him, brought him on, that was alright. Then he started the last game and was obviously OK and then with the finish… it’s a small one but we are late in the season, so obviously now it’s not a great moment for each injury pretty much. It’s not a big one. When I say two weeks, actually really it’s pretty much nothing but enough to not be available.”
Diogo Jota has been ruled out for a further two weeks with injury (Getty Images)
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