Arne Slot says 'emotions got the better of me' after final Everton v Liverpool Merseyside derby at Goodison Park
Updated 14/02/2025 at 13:45 GMT
Arne Slot has responded to the red card he received at the end of Wednesday's Merseyside derby, saying that emotions got the better of him after the extended added time and that he would love to do it differently if he had the chance. Everton scored an equaliser deep into stoppage time in the last ever derby at Goodison Park, leaving Liverpool seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Furious scrap after final whistle sees Jones and Doucoure sent off
Video credit: TNT Sports
Arne Slot admitted that the "emotions got the better of me" after he received a red card in Liverpool’s Merseyside derby draw against Everton.
James Tarkowski emphatically equalised in the 97th minute as the game finished 2-2 on Wednesday night, sparking chaotic scenes in the final derby between the two old rivals at Goodison Park.
The goal led to four red cards, including Liverpool head coach Slot who was dismissed after full-time for his attitude towards referee Michael Oliver.
Premier League
How Salah can surpass Rooney as Liverpool welcome United to Anfield
16/10/2025 at 14:18
"What happened was that, during the stoppage time, there was a lot that happened and the emotions got the better of me," Slot said in his Friday press conference.
"I would have loved to do it differently if I could go back. I hope to do it differently the next time as well.
"But on what happened and what was said, I told you it was an ongoing process and I don't want to disturb that."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/02/12/4097181-83081268-2560-1440.jpg)
Tarkowski slams home last-gasp equaliser as Everton fans pour onto pitch
Video credit: TNT Sports
The draw prevented Liverpool from extending their lead to nine points over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
As things stand, they currently sit seven points clear of Mikel Arteta's injury-hit Gunners, but the Dutchman knows it was a missed opportunity.
"It felt immediately after the referee blew his whistle that we lost two points," he said.
"But during the 98 minutes, I didn't feel constantly that we were going to win the game. It felt like an equal game and the draw would've been a fair result.
"But with us leading after 96 minutes, we felt we were close to winning the game."
- Liverpool look 'ominous' in title race, but how do fixtures compare with Arsenal?
- Man Utd not likely to land Gyokeres this summer, could turn to Delap - Paper Round
- Confusion reigns as ‘very harsh’ penalty given after referee goes to wrong VAR screen
However, the former Feyenoord boss took a lot of positives from the game as he continues his push to become only the fifth manager to win the Premier League title in his debut season after Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Manuel Pellegrini and Antonio Conte.
Ahead of Sunday's league meeting with Wolves at Anfield, Slot explained: "We won a lot on Wednesday as well, and what I mean by that is, when you look at the togetherness of the fans and the players and how much we fought together to get the result.
"We have been praised so many times this season for how well they can play, but the players showed a different side of themselves.
"In my opinion, it was much better than the year before. They were mentally so, so strong in a game that was played in the most difficult circumstances for them as well.
"It gives me a lot of confidence for the upcoming 14 games."
Moyes: 'I feel a bit for slot'
Everton boss David Moyes admitted he understood Slot's post-match frustration and had sympathy for the Dutchman after he received a red card.
"It was an emotional night. It was a game where everyone was involved," said Moyes. "We were playing against a really good Liverpool team, probably the best in Europe and certainly in our country.
"We had to do a job on Liverpool to make sure we got a result and we just about did on the night. I feel a bit for Arne Slot. This was the sort of thing that I was always getting involved in when I was a younger manager.
"It tells me that he cares a lot for his club and is fighting for his players. Everybody has to do what they can and he did it for his team.
"When you get a bit older, you sit back and say ‘what was I doing?’ I have had a lot of moments and a lot that I am not proud of."
- - -
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and much more live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement