David Moyes tasted another defeat away to Liverpool on Wednesday night, but Arne Slot really likes something he’s done with the Everton side.
It was a disappointing result for the Toffees as Moyes saw their unbeaten run come to an end in what was their first Premier League defeat since January.
Everton remain well adrift of the relegation spots, but they are not yet mathematically safe and there are some serious daunting games ahead this month.
Mark Clattenburg feels Everton were unlucky not to see Liverpool’s goal ruled offside with Luis Diaz not deemed to have interfered with play.
Arne Slot praised Moyes and his Everton side back in February after the fight they put up in the draw at Goodison Park.
And the Dutch manager was full of praise once again on Wednesday night for the Blues after their Anfield visit.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Liverpool’s Arne Slot hails Everton after Merseyside Derby clash
It was a game filled with refereeing controversy, with decisions going against both sides.
James Tarkowski could have been sent off for his shocking challenge of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
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But with three points under his belt, Slot was keen to praise the visitors for the fight they have shown under Moyes.
“A very, very difficult team to play against because of their playing style. That’s not only for us, but for every team because they were nine games unbeaten,” he said.
🗣️ "He kept on playing so I assume he's okay"
Arne Slot says Alexis Mac Allister is fine after James Tarkowski's challenge. pic.twitter.com/fHnBhBih4U
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
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“A very good manager has brought them back to life. The amount of shots they blocked, the effort they put in to defend inside their own box, and then the threat they had on the counter-attack. So difficult to play against.
“But our boys showed immense character, I think we created more than in the away game, and in the end we scored a good goal and kept a clean sheet.”
Although Everton did put up a typically strong defensive showing, there was a real lack of quality shown in front of goal.
Beto got the better of Virgil van Dijk on a number of occasions, but the Portuguese striker was unable to provide the finishing touch to put the visitors on the board.
Everton’s defence has been a real strong point
There have been some real issues for Everton going forward this season, with finding consistency in attack a problem.
Everton have the sixth-best defensive record in the Premier League, which does not exactly line up with their position in the league.
Team Goals conceded
Arsenal 25
Liverpool 27
Crystal Palace 34
Nottingham Forest 35
Chelsea 37
Everton 37
The Toffees have conceded 37 goals this season but find themselves down at the wrong end of the table, showing where their weaknesses lie.
Everton want to sign a new striker in the coming transfer window following their issues over the season.
If Moyes is able to fix the issues going forward over the summer, then Everton could prove a really strong outfit.