00:00Now, the Merseyside derby has both Liverpool and Everton fans focused on what lies ahead
00:08for their teams. For Liverpool, their ambitions remain high under Arnie Schlatt as they push
00:13for the Premier League title. Everton, under David Moyes, are aiming for a strong finish
00:17to the season. I spoke to Will Rooney of Liverpool World for insights on both clubs after the
00:23derby. He discussed how Liverpool's pursuit of silverware depends on maintaining confidence
00:28while Everton look to build on their solid campaign and finish strong. With both clubs
00:33facing important challenges, the derby served as a reminder of the significance of the upcoming
00:39fixtures and the changes that lie ahead for both teams on Merseyside.
00:45Well, looking at Liverpool and Everton in terms of the Merseyside derby, obviously a
00:51very tight game again, contested this time by a winner, Liverpool came out on top. Let's
00:56start by looking at Liverpool in the derby, a few changes, a few positional changes as
01:01well, which we'll get into. But how do they sort of view this game? There was a little
01:05bit of pressure after Arsenal's win over Fulham, obviously, Pekka Osaka returning for them
01:11as well. But, you know, overall, they are, you know, they moved 12 points clear again
01:16and it was a tough game, you know, by no means an easy game at home against a sort of rejuvenated
01:22Everton side under David Moyes.
01:24Yeah, I don't think anyone thought it was going to be easy. Look, I think every derby, you know,
01:29the cliché is phone goes out of the window. And it was a funny one because after the international
01:34break, both teams hadn't played for two and a half weeks. It didn't feel like a derby
01:39in the build-up, if that makes sense. Like, normally, it's palpable around the city. I
01:43didn't get that impression. It sort of just crept up on people. But the night, yeah, it
01:48was, as I say, it was a big game for both sides. And Liverpool weren't at their best,
01:54I don't think. Everton made it really difficult for them. Liverpool defensively got away with
01:59a few things in the first half. Obviously, Beto having an offside goal and then striking
02:05the post, he caused Liverpool problems. But they kept at it, Liverpool. They played more
02:09football than they had done against Newcastle in the last derby as well. They showed a little
02:14bit more on the ball, moving it sideways, trying to frustrate Everton. And that eventually
02:21happened. Obviously, the goal was a little bit of controversy around it. Diogo Diotta
02:26finished whether Luis Diaz was offside in the build-up. But look, I think if you've
02:31asked every Liverpool fan who went to Anfield and watched at home last night, it's your
02:35win 1-0. These are taking a scrappy 1-0 win. Without a doubt, as you say, 12 points, the
02:42gap has been restored with Arsenal now with eight games to go. Not a vintage derby. I
02:47don't think it will be one that a lot of people will remember. But people look at that
02:53Virgil van Dijk moment where he swiped off Dinéren. If Beto would have scored, then
02:57the pressure would have really been on. But you forget about those sorts of things now,
03:00really. And it's on to the next game for Liverpool.
03:03In terms of Everton obviously going to Anfield and coming away 1-0 losers, but David Moyes
03:10was certain that it was a solid performance and they maybe got unlucky on the night,
03:14the offside controversy. Then again, you probably could argue they got lucky having 11 men still
03:20on the pitch after Tarkovsky's challenge on McAllister. What did you make of it from
03:25an Everton standpoint?
03:26I thought the first half was good. I thought they got the game plan really well executed.
03:33Beto was a handful. I like Beto in those sorts of games. The games where he's off the leash
03:39and just say, right, just go and cause a bit of havoc. Just go and run at defenders
03:43because he can cause issues. If that goal goes in, then Everton have got a lead to defend.
03:53The goal, I can see why David Moyes was really irked by it because I thought it should be
03:58offside. Obviously, the rules dictate that it isn't. But James Tarkovsky, if Luis Diaz
04:05isn't behind him, he either leaves him and goes to Jordan Pickfords or he takes a touch
04:09and clears rather than him trying to clear on the slice. But as you say, the red card,
04:14I think David Moyes looked back and forth. If it was a red card, then I don't think there
04:18would have been too many complaints.
04:19The second half was a little bit disappointing from Everton. They didn't carry much of a
04:23threat. I can't really remember them having any chances of a goal really. Could have been
04:29or if. But Everton, against nine matches unbeaten, have been beaten 1-0 by a team in
04:36Liverpool who have lost once in the league all season and are going to win the title.
04:41There's definitely a lot of positives to take.
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