Liverpool missed the opportunity to extend the gap with Arsenal when Everton held them to a draw in the 90+8 minute. James Tarkowski's goal fueled the heat between the two teams, causing Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure to rush at each other and receive red cards. Not only that, captain Arne Slot and his assistant were also sent off.
Thus, in this weekend's home match against Wolves, Liverpool will not have the service of Jones. Their captain also could not appear on the coaching bench. Although playing at Anfield, this is also a disadvantage for The Kop.
referee Michael Oliver made many controversial decisions that made the away team angry, from the coach to the players. This is not Arne Slot's style because the Dutch strategist is famous for being calm. Even after the shocking defeat to Plymouth in the FA Cup, Slot has maintained his original attitude, without any overreactions.
It is clear that Liverpool have been dragged into an unnecessary stress game, which could leave psychological stains for the rest of the season. Arne Slot's task now is to rebalance everything to ensure that the recklessness at Goodison Park cannot be a negative turning point. This is not the time for everyone to keep thinking about Everton.
There are many things threatening Liverpool after the draw with Everton. The Merseyside Derby was the first of five games lasting just 15 days. After hosting Wolves at home, they will have a trip that is predicted to be very difficult against Aston Villa. Next weekend, the "Red Brigade" will face Man City at the Etihad in the context of the defending champion being injured. Next, the match against Newcastle at Anfield is not expected to be easy because it is the most important training session of The Magpies before the League Cup final.
The pressure is increasing on Arne Slot and his team and they need to stay calm, take a deep breath to face the most fierce journey in the next 2 weeks. The failure of the Premier League season will be completely placed in these 2 weeks. Liverpool are only 1 more time short of a national championship to equal their 20-time record with Man United, thereby deserving the title of the greatest English team (due to having won the European championship more times than M.U).
In the past under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool won the Premier League once in 2020. In addition, there have been 2 seasons when they have lost to Man City by just 1 point. This harshness is a warning lesson for Arne Slot. Liverpool understand that difficulties will come to every team, but all are decisive. If The Kop were defeated in this tourmalet, everything could fall free.
The drama on Wednesday night left many psychological scars, but Liverpool need to prove to the whole tournament that they are still fine with a devastating victory this weekend against Wolves.
