The 248th Merseyside Derby has taken on a sharp, modern edge, as David Moyes and Arne Slot trade a war of work over a narrative that has defined Liverpool’s turbulent 2025/26 campaign: the perceived “injustice” of officiating.
In a clash that marks the first-ever derby at Everton’s brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium, the stakes have rarely been higher or the rhetoric more pointed.
For Arne Slot, now deep into his second season at the helm, the honeymoon period of last year’s title-winning debut has evolved into a grueling battle for consistency. Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, the Reds find themselves in a desperate scrap for a top 5 spot to secure Champions League football.
Following a bruising 4-0 aggregate exit from Europe at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and a string of VAR frustrations most notably a contentious 98th-minute equaliser at the final Goodison Park derby to ultimately damage their chances of winning the Premier League after the 2-2 draw Slot has repeatedly suggested that his side is being unfairly treated by the match officials.
In his press conference, the Dutch manager said, “The crowd didn’t affect me last season, the referee decisions affected me.” Moyes didn’t agree with the 47-year-old’s comment, but he did suggest he is a ‘top coach’.
The game on the weekend has massive implications for both sides heading into the final matches of the season. After 10 league defeats this season, the defending champions are fighting to stay within three points of Manchester United and Aston Villa for a top-five finish. The Reds are looking for Champions League football, while a win for the Blues puts them just two points off their city rivals.
The “injustice” Arne Slot is currently referencing stems from the explosive final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park mentioned above This match didn’t just end in a draw it ended in a near-riot that fundamentally altered the relationship between the two managers and the FA.
The 98th-minute mayhem
The roots of the current tension lie in a chaotic 2-2 draw during the final-ever derby at Goodison Park. Liverpool looked set for a vital win until Everton’s James Tarkowski hammered home a stunning equaliser in the 98th minute well beyond the initially mentioned five minutes of stoppage time.
The Jones vs Doucoure brawl
The real fire started after the final whistle. Abdoulaye Doucouré, caught up in the emotion of the last-gasp goal, performed a “teasing” celebration directly in front of the traveling Liverpool supporters.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones took immediate exception to the provocation. He sprinted over to confront Doucouré, resulting in a physical altercation where Jones was seen shoving the Everton man.
The incident triggered a massive on-field melee involving players, substitutes, stewards, and even local police.
Both Jones and Doucouré were shown second yellow cards (resulting in reds) after the final whistle. But that wasn’t just it Slot was shown a straight red card for his comments toward the officials. He later received a two-match touchline ban and a £70,000 fine. The FA fined Liverpool £65,000 and Everton £50,000 for “failing to control their players
Moyes rejects Slot’s referee claims
The Scottish manager is in his second stint at Everton and has also managed fellow rivals Manchester United. In 45 matches against the Anfield outfit, he has only won six times.
However, last season was one of the most dramatic derbies he will have been involved in
In his pre match press conference on Friday, Moyes was far from in agreement with the Liverpool manager.
“I’m not sure I’m having him saying they are getting bad decisions at Anfield.”
He continued
“There are very few decisions that go against Liverpool at Anfield – very few.”
While Liverpool won their most recent Premier League outing against Fulham 2-0 last weekend, they have suffered defeat in four of their last five, which included a midweek 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
While results and performances have been far from perfect for Liverpool, the 62-year-old accepts that the Dutchman is still a top manager.
“If they are finding a few bad things at the moment, well, we’ve had to put up with them for years, every time we go there; but as a coach, I think he’s a top coach.”
Slot complaints and Moyes’ assessment
While fans may be angered by some of Slot’s recent comments, they might have an understanding of this one.
Last season was a tough pill to swallow, and previous decisions have gone against the Reds, such as a soft free kick for Beto’s opener last season, or when Jordan Pickford should have been sent off for a reckless challenge on Virgil Van Dijk in 2020.
Moyes comments could be seen as applying pressure on today referee and making him aware of any decisions which may lean in the Reds’ favour.
With emotions already riding high ahead of a huge Merseyside derby, Moyes’ comments add further fuel to the fire, while Liverpool know only a win will help strengthen their grip on Champions League qualification for 2026/27 season.
