‘I think it’s an extra reason”- Arne Slot delivers Bombshell amid last battle against Everton at Goodison Park
Liverpool are preparing for their 122nd and final match at local rivals Everton’s Goodison Park, manager Arne Slot confirmed on Tuesday. He added that his team is determined to recover from their surprising FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle.
The Premier League fixture, originally set for December 7, was postponed due to Storm Darragh. This will also mark Everton’s final game at Goodison Park, which has stood since 1892, before they move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium at the end of this season.
Liverpool currently lead the Premier League with 56 points, six ahead of second-place Arsenal, while Everton are 16th with 26 points.
Slot commented, “I believe the atmosphere will be even more intense than usual. I’ve never been to Goodison Park, but I’ve heard from many that, just like at Anfield, the atmosphere is always incredible.”
He continued, “I’m confident our players are ready for another challenge tomorrow [Wednesday], as they’ve been prepared all season, and many of them have experience in this fixture. After the loss to Plymouth, we need to show a different side to our game, as the performance was far below Liverpool’s usual standards.”
In their previous encounter at Everton, Liverpool were beaten 2-0 under former managers Jürgen Klopp and Sean Dyche. Everton’s current manager, David Moyes, has secured three wins from his last four league matches since returning to the club.
“David did an excellent job during his first stint, but in recent years, Everton have not been competing for the top four,” Slot said. “However, they are definitely in a better position now than they were a few months ago.”
Everton come into the match on the back of a 1-0 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion and a 4-0 win at home against Leicester City. They have kept nine clean sheets this season, second only to Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, who have ten.
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has been ruled out for the match, and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is a doubt, according to Slot.
“Trent took part in part of a training session with us yesterday, but not the full session. We’ll see how he feels today. He’ll hopefully train with us again, and then we’ll decide if he’s fit enough for the game,” Slot said.
