Arne Slot Reacts to Liverpool’s ‘Hard-Fought’ Victory Over Everton | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Tactical Discipline Delivers Derby Delight for Liverpool

In a contest that rarely adheres to form, Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 win over Everton in the 246th Merseyside derby at Anfield was one of patience, control and tactical discipline. Arne Slot, in his first season at the helm, continues to mould this team in his image—less chaotic than Klopp’s high-octane machine, more measured and deliberate, but no less effective.

Everton, buoyed by a nine-match unbeaten run and a defensive record any top-six side would envy, didn’t make things easy. David Moyes’ side stayed compact and rigid, defending with ten men behind the ball while relying on the pace and physicality of Beto to launch sporadic counters. Liverpool were well aware of the challenge. “Hard-fought, definitely, but that was no surprise,” Slot admitted. “Everton hardly ever concede a goal, hardly ever concede a chance.”

Photo: IMAGO

Diogo Jota brilliance cuts through Everton resilience

For over an hour, Liverpool probed, recycled possession and relied heavily on Luis Díaz’s one-on-one matchups against Jake O’Brien to find a crack in Everton’s defensive wall. But when the moment came, it was Diogo Jota who produced it. The Portuguese forward danced inside the penalty area, twisted, turned, and drove a low finish past Jordan Pickford, igniting the Kop and restoring Liverpool’s 12-point cushion at the Premier League summit.

Slot wasn’t just pleased—it was relief as much as reward. “He found just a bit of space and he scored the goal, which was nice for him but nice for us – and by us, I mean his teammates, the staff and the fans.”

Photo: IMAGO

Jota had already threatened in the first half, only to see his shot blocked by the ever-alert Everton backline. But it was the kind of moment Slot’s football is increasingly built upon—methodical, patient construction followed by sudden incision.

Curtis Jones adapts to unfamiliar role

With Liverpool missing all three of their recognised right-backs—Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez—Slot turned to Curtis Jones in an unconventional but ultimately effective decision.

“It’s something that I’ve thought about and we’ve thought about for a bit longer,” said Slot. “In the first half of the season there were already moments where I talked about this with him… I knew that he could help with his creativity in this position because that’s what you lack of course when Trent is not playing.”

Photo: IMAGO

Jones did not just fill the gap—he offered balance and initiative, linking play and resisting the temptation to merely defend deep. While Jarell Quansah had performed competently in the same role previously, Jones’ technical quality and composure in possession made the difference in this high-stakes fixture.

VAR, controversy, and Slot’s calm reaction

As is often the case in derbies, officiating decisions drew significant attention. James Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister in the first half prompted a flurry of commentary. Slot, however, refrained from stoking the flames. “So many people already commented on that, even people that are not liking Liverpool a lot, and they were all so clear and obvious what the decision should have been.”

His response to VAR’s swift handling of the incident—just 10 seconds—was measured. “I don’t mind if they take 10 seconds or a minute… They should take the right decision.”

More frustration came with the offside rule, which once again left players, fans and managers scratching their heads. Slot lamented: “I hate that rule, but the execution of the rule was fortunately for us today. Well done in that situation.”

Title focus sharpens as rivals chase

This was not a vintage performance, but Liverpool rarely needed one. It was about breaking down a well-drilled rival, preserving composure and extracting three crucial points. In a title race that demands control as much as brilliance, Arne Slot’s approach is starting to click.

There is still room for growth—particularly in converting dominance into chances against deep blocks—but the derby win reinforced that this team, under new leadership, is learning to navigate adversity with maturity. Everton, meanwhile, were resolute but limited, and will need more ambition to shift their trajectory upwards.