Curtis Jones Slams Everton Over Rumors They’d Celebrate Liverpool’s Narrow 2‑Point Gap After Merseyside Derby Win
Curtis Jones delivered a blistering reaction to Everton after Liverpool’s dramatic 2‑1 triumph in the Merseyside derby on Saturday, dismissing any notion that the Toffees would celebrate merely for narrowing the points gap.
Speaking to Viaplay in the post‑match interview, the 24‑year‑old midfielder ridiculed the pre‑match chatter that suggested Everton might view being two points behind Liverpool as a step forward in a season Liverpool described as “one of our worst years”.
“This shows the team that we are and the team they are,” Jones said. “They’re celebrating that they’re two points behind us in one of our worst years. If that’s what they take as a stepping stone … pffttt, I don’t know.”
The comment underscored the stark contrast in expectations between the two clubs, with Liverpool already entrenched in a top‑five chase while Everton have struggled to escape the lower reaches of the table.
At the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool secured a last‑gasp winner in the 110th minute through captain Virgil van Dijk, extending their lead over Everton to eight points.
The decisive goal came after a chaotic sequence that saw Everton equalise through a set‑piece, prompting a frantic Liverpool push that culminated in a powerful header from Van Dijk.
By sealing the victory, Liverpool not only widened the gap but also reinforced their pursuit of a Champions League berth, a minimum objective for Arne Slot’s side amid a turbulent campaign.
Slot’s Liverpool have endured a season marked by inconsistency, injuries and a goalkeeping crisis that has forced the club to rely on third‑choice keeper Freddie Woodman.
Alisson Becker remains sidelined, and during the derby Giorgi Mamardashvili suffered a heavy collision that resulted in an open wound and a hospital visit, further depleting the goalkeeping department.
Woodman’s unexpected debut highlighted the depth concerns, but Slot remained optimistic, stating the injury “will not be a long‑term injury, let’s see if he will be available next week.”
The derby also provided a tactical showcase, with Liverpool deploying a 4‑3‑3 that pressed high and sought to dominate possession despite a compact Everton defence.
Everton, under Sean Dyche, set up in a 4‑4‑2 formation, aiming to exploit Liverpool’s defensive transitions, but the Reds’ midfield trio of Jones, Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah stifled their creativity.
Statistically, Liverpool recorded 58% possession, 16 shots (7 on target) and completed 842 passes, compared with Everton’s 42% possession, 9 shots (3 on target) and 623 passes.
| Team | Possession | Shots on Target |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 58% | 7 |
| Everton | 42% | 3 |
Jones’ performance was pivotal; he completed 87% of his passes, covered 11.2 kilometres and contributed a key pass that led to the winning goal.
His midfield work rate exemplifies the renewed energy Slot expects from his academy graduates, a contrast to the veteran reliance that characterised Liverpool’s earlier season.
Virgil van Dijk’s decisive header marked his 12th league goal of the season, reinforcing his status as a dual‑threat defender and a leader in crucial moments.
The Dutch centre‑back’s aerial dominance has been a recurring theme, with 45% of Liverpool’s set‑piece goals this campaign coming from his head.
| Player | League Goals | Set‑Piece Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Virgil van Dijk | 12 | 5 |
| Mohamed Salah | 18 | 2 |
For Everton, the defeat marks their third loss in the last five Merseyside encounters, a statistic that reflects the growing gulf between the clubs over the past decade.
Everton’s season has been characterised by a defensive frailty, conceding 58 goals, the second‑most in the league, while scoring only 34.
| Team | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 48 | 39 |
| Everton | 34 | 58 |
The win pushed Liverpool eight points clear of Everton, reinforcing a seven‑point cushion over sixth‑placed Chelsea and keeping the Reds within striking distance of the top‑five.
At the time of the match, Liverpool sat fourth with 58 points, while Everton lingered in 15th with 42 points, a 16‑point differential that underscores the disparity highlighted by Jones.
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Liverpool | 58 |
| 15 | Everton | 42 |
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s schedule includes a home clash with Crystal Palace and a demanding away fixture at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
Both matches are critical; a win at Old Trafford would not only narrow the gap to United but also serve as a psychological boost ahead of the final run‑in.
Everton’s next fixture pits them against Leicester City, a game that offers a chance to climb out of the relegation zone but also a test of their defensive resilience after conceding 58 goals.
Sean Dyche’s side will need to address their lack of clean sheets, a problem that has seen them keep only nine in 31 league games.
| Team | Clean Sheets | Games Played |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 12 | 31 |
| Everton | 9 | 31 |
Jones’ outspoken remarks have ignited a conversation about the cultural divide between the clubs, with Liverpool emphasizing ambition and Everton grappling with survival.
The midfielder’s comments also reflect a broader narrative of Liverpool’s internal assessment, as players seek to reclaim the standards set during the club’s recent golden era.
Arne Slot, who took over midway through the season, has stressed the importance of mental fortitude, noting that “we don’t think about teams that are catching us. We only ever look forward and we know that we have to play in the Champions League.”
Slot’s strategic focus remains on stabilising the defence, integrating young talents like Jones, and managing the injury list to maintain competitiveness across all competitions.
Everton’s manager, Sean Dyche, defended his side after the loss, acknowledging the disappointment but highlighting the need to improve consistency and defensive organisation.
Dyche emphasized that the team will analyse the match to “fix the details” and avoid conceding late goals, a recurring issue that has cost Everton points.
In the broader context of the Premier League, Liverpool’s victory keeps the top‑five race tightly contested, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle United all within five points of the Reds.
The win also reduces the pressure on Liverpool’s board, who have been monitoring the club’s progress after a season that began with high expectations but has been marred by injuries and form fluctuations.
Overall, Curtis Jones’ post‑match tirade encapsulated the frustration and determination felt by Liverpool supporters, who view the derby win as a statement of intent for the remainder of the campaign.
