The Pressure of the Premier League
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has candidly described the Premier League as "the most difficult league to win" as he gears up to face a challenging run of five games in just 15 days, starting with the eagerly awaited Merseyside derby on February 12. This derby, to be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+, holds particular significance as it will be the last one to be played at Goodison Park before Everton’s move to their new stadium next season. Slot is well aware of the stakes, noting that a victory could place Liverpool nine points ahead of their nearest rivals, Arsenal, putting them in a strong position for the title. However, he remains cautious, emphasizing the unforgiving nature of the league. "In this league, if you lose one or two games, other teams can win their matches and close the gap," Slot explained to TNT Sports. "Teams can go on impressive winning streaks, as we saw with Arsenal last season and Manchester City’s remarkable run from January to the end of the season. This league does not allow you to relax for even a second, or you risk being overtaken."
The Importance of Every Period
The upcoming matches against Everton, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Newcastle United are not just another set of fixtures for Slot. He believes that every period in the Premier League is a defining moment in the season, given the high level of competition. "If you have a few weeks where you don’t perform to the best of your abilities or you fail to pick up points, the league will immediately punish you," he stated. "This congested schedule with five games in 15 days is particularly challenging, especially with three away trips included. There are no easy matches here; every team is capable of causing an upset, and we need to be at our best throughout."
Lessons from the Plymouth Defeat
Liverpool’s unexpected defeat to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup has not gone unnoticed. Slot fielded a much-changed side for that match, and The Pilgrims capitalized on the opportunity to secure a 1-0 win at Home Park. Despite the loss, Slot is pragmatic and doesn’t expect a hangover from the defeat to affect his team’s performance in the derby. "The players involved in tomorrow’s game were not part of the Plymouth match, so the impact on them will be minimal," he said. "However, we can learn a lot from that game. Both Plymouth and Everton have a similar playing style, often focusing on long throws, set-pieces, and trying to catch us out on the second ball." The Dutch manager is clear about the areas that need improvement, particularly in defending against these types of plays. "We need to be ready and alert for every second of the game. One moment of inattention can be costly," Slot emphasized. "We will certainly take these lessons into consideration as we prepare for Everton."
Moyes’ Return and Impact
David Moyes, the former Everton manager who returns to Goodison Park for a second spell, has already made a significant impact since his January appointment. The 61-year-old Scot has overseen three consecutive Premier League victories, lifting Everton out of the relegation zone and into a more comfortable position. Another win against Liverpool would propel Everton above West Ham United, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, further solidifying their standing in the league. Slot is full of respect for Moyes, recognizing his pivotal role in Everton’s history. "When he first took over, Everton was in a relegation battle, and he transformed the club, even securing a top-four finish once. That speaks volumes about his influence," Slot said. "Now, with his recent performances, it seems like he’s picking up right where he left off in 2002. His experience and tactical acumen make him a formidable opponent, and we must be prepared for a tough match."
Resilience and Focus
Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Slot stressed the importance of maintaining focus and resilience. "Every game in this league is a battle, and we need to approach each one with the same intensity," he commented. "We cannot afford to take any team lightly, as the league has shown that any result can happen. Our recent form has been strong, but we must continue to work hard and stay disciplined, especially in these crucial fixtures." The manager also highlighted the need for adaptability, given the varied nature of the opposition. "We will be playing different formations and line-ups to respond to each team’s strengths and weaknesses," Slot added. "This is a test of our depth and our ability to perform consistently over a short period."
How to Watch Everton v Liverpool
For fans looking to catch the Merseyside derby, TNT Sports offers a comprehensive viewing experience. Available on multiple platforms, TNT Sports provides up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4) and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), along with TNT Sports Ultimate and TNT Sports Box Office HD. The match will be live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 18:30 UK time on Sunday, January 26, leading up to the kick-off at 19:30. Subscriptions to TNT Sports can be obtained through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. To find local establishments showing the match, fans can use the TNT Sports Pub Finder tool. This high-stakes encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and with both managers looking to make their mark, it’s a must-watch for any football enthusiast.
