By Aiden Gharibian

The game ended 2–2 in the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, and it’s safe to say there was plenty of drama and controversy. Liverpool still sit seven points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League table as they’ve now played their game in hand. However, Liverpool fans remain outraged for a plethora of reasons including the controversial refereeing decisions made by Michael Oliver, tensions between players, and an overall concerning performance from the Reds.

Liverpool legend John Arne Riise on Arne Slot, Champions League hopes & more | WhoScored Exclusive

Starting off with a spicy topic — Michael Oliver has faced criticism from multiple fan bases, and after tonight’s chaos, that’s not changing anytime soon. Recently, he was at the centre of controversy after sending off 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The red card was later rescinded, confirming the decision was indeed incorrect. Today, he gave away a soft free kick to the Toffees which led to their first goal of the evening. PGMOL Chief Keith Hackett has called out this decision, saying “Liverpool were on the wrong end of a poor decision by Michael Oliver to award Everton a free kick which led to their first goal. There was no foul. Oliver got it wrong.” Funnily enough, Oliver arguably played a role in both of Everton’s goals. In stoppage time, two Everton players clashed heads, requiring a minute to recover. Despite only five minutes being added, Oliver allowed play to continue until the 98th minute — just enough time for Tarkowski to score the equalizer. It’s clear as day that Oliver won’t be escaping criticism — nor will the rest of PGMOL — as refereeing decisions and the use of VAR in this country continue to spark massive controversy..

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Aside from refereeing decisions, it’s only right to speak on the overall performance. After resting most of their first-team players last weekend only to suffer a defeat against Plymouth, fans expected a much-improved performance from Liverpool today. Instead, for large parts of the match, the Reds looked flat and devoid of ideas. It’s clear to most Liverpool fans that Salah does indeed need that new contract, with attention being shifted to FSG as we’ve found ourselves in February with neither Trent Alexander Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, nor Mohamed Salah putting pen to paper to sign their new deals. Salah played a part in both Liverpool goals today and was by far Liverpool’s best player. It also remains widely apparent that Liverpool needs reinvestment this summer, as several second-choice players have struggled — not just against Plymouth, but again today against Everton. Arne Slot can’t escape criticism today either, as his side appears too relaxed, reserved, and content with narrow one-goal leads — an approach that only holds up if the lead is actually preserved.

To cap off this fiery encounter, Curtis Jones, Arne Slot, and Abdoulaye Doucoure all saw red in a heated post-match altercation. Doucoure appeared to rile up the Liverpool away end right after the match, prompting Curtis Jones to confront him — sparking a scuffle that looked more suited for a UFC octagon than a football pitch. Many players found themselves caught up in the chaos, only adding to the raw drama and entertainment that makes this derby so fierce. Arne Slot also appeared to be sent off for something he said to Michael Oliver, meaning he will be absent for some crucial upcoming matches — a blow that could impact Liverpool, as his presence on the touchline has been key this season.

By Conor McLarnon

Ex-Liverpool defender John Arne Rise has praised the sudden impact of new Reds boss Arne Slot and believes his former side has what it takes to win both the Premier League and Champions League.

The Norwegian is no stranger to European success having won it in Istanbul twenty years ago under former boss Rafa Benitez who arguably managed to get the best out of him across his experienced career.

Riise provided an assist for Liverpool’s first goal of that miraculous night in Istanbul and will go down in folklore for his part in what remains the greatest one-night comeback in history.

‘He’s the One I Look Up to Most!’ | Exclusive Interview w/Liverpool Loanee Owen Beck

Talking to WhoScored, Rise discussed the transition from Klopp’s management to Slot’s management and his assessment of how the Reds have got on this season.

He said: “I’m very impressed, I didn’t expect them to do that well with a new manager coming in with new ideas. Both the manager and the players look rock solid, controlling every game. Very impressed, and as a Liverpool fan, very happy.”

Going on further to discuss the smaller technical aspects that have differed greatly from Klopp’s system, Riise, again, was full of praise…“I think it’s impressive how Arne Slot has changed the team and put calmness when they are in possession and when they win the ball. Yes, they can go quickly forward but they are also controlling the ball and keeping possession. How quickly he (Arne) managed to switch the players to his style of play is very impressive.”

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Riise discussed Liverpool’s chances of lifting the Champions League trophy come May, with the Reds cruising to the last 16 with ease and awaiting their opposition.

He believes Liverpool have a worthy squad that can balance the commitments of a league cup final, Champions League ties and the final push for a 20th league title.

He said: “This is the easiest question of the day. I’ll obviously back Liverpool (to win the Champions League), especially with how they are looking and playing.

“The big games are always easier to prepare for. If you’re fighting for titles, it’s easier to have the energy to get up for these games. I think it will be a good thing for the team. I do worry if we get some injuries, especially to van Dijk or a couple of other players, then we could be in trouble.”

Expectations are high among the fanbase and Riise himself and the belief that Liverpool could win a monumental double at the end of the season is slowly becoming a reality.

Liverpool legend John Arne Riise on Arne Slot, Champions League hopes & more | WhoScored Exclusive

Redmen Reacts

Undoubtedly Virgil van Dijk remains a pivotal factor in any hoes Liverpool have of achieving something remarkable this season, especially with matches coming thick and fast at the business end of the season. 

Plymouth result aside, Slot has used the squad expertly all campaign and if that remains the case then the possibilities appear endless. 

By Ben Rowley

Beck, who joined Liverpool at Under-13 level, has gone from a promising talent in the Reds’ under-23s team to playing a key defensive role on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

The Welshman spoke to The Redmen TV about his young career to date, the Liverpool teammates he looks up to, what Klopp told him in that viral clip, and his ambitions at Liverpool after a pre-season under new coach Arne Slot.

The 22-year-old left-back impressed during a loan spell at Dundee in 2023-24, scoring twice and assisting four times, but was recalled in the new year by Jürgen Klopp amidst injuries to Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.

Beck marked his Premier League debut by coming off the bench against Bournemouth, but with Robertson returning from injury, the youngster headed back to Scotland to complete his loan.

‘He’s the One I Look Up to Most!’ | Exclusive Interview w/Liverpool Loanee Owen Beck

Beck – who is the great-nephew of Liverpool legend Ian Rush – is now helping Blackburn Rovers’ promotion push, gaining valuable Championship experience.

Rewind to January 2024 and Beck was recalled to his parent club at the same time Klopp announced his decision to leave Liverpool.

Despite this, the German’s devotion to developing young players never faded, and a clip of him speaking at length to the wide-eyed Beck quickly went viral.

“It was against Fulham, and he was telling me, if you take a step and get out of their eyeline, when you receive the ball you pass the press.

“It looked like I was kind of just nodding, but I was taking it all in from one of the greatest managers ever.”

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Just 18 days later, Beck made his Premier League debut, describing it as a moment he’ll cherish forever.

After his recall, Beck returned to Dundee, where his performances earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year.

“Dundee will always be a place I look back on.

“It really brought the best out of me and it put me in a good place coming into the season.”

Having made three appearances in Slot’s first pre-season, the Wales U21 international described the experience as positive and really enjoyable.

“It was nice to get settled in with a new manager and have the chance to impress him.

“When I came back, we agreed it was a good time to go out on loan to the Championship (Blackburn) and get some good minutes.”

Since arriving at Ewood Park, Beck has made 23 appearances so far this season, helping Blackburn climb into the play-off positions.

“Playing every three, or four days has benefitted me with building that robustness and having to perform 100% every week.

“I’m trying to help Blackburn ultimately get to where they want to be at the end of the season.”

Beck will return to Liverpool this summer, and one player he models his game on is Robertson.

“He’s been one of the best left-backs in the world now for god knows how many years.

“He’s got his mentality, his aggression, all the attributes you need to be a world-class left-back, and I try to take parts out of his game and implement them into mine.

“He is probably the one who I look up to the most.”

Onwards to A Season Defining 15 Days! | Redmen Originals Liverpool Podcast

Beck not only has all the attributes that the modern game demands from a full-back, but at 22, he remains a student of the game, willing to learn from Liverpool’s senior stars.

“The likes of Robertson, Tsimikas, Gomez – they’re great players to look up to.

“There’s a lot of competition, and it just goes to show you need to be at 100%.”

Looking ahead, Beck has aspirations to earn his first senior Wales cap as well as impress Liverpool’s new coaching staff.

“I’m hoping I can make my debut and get that Wales cap. It’ll be another moment in my career I’ll be able to keep forever.

“When I go back for pre-season (with Liverpool), it’s one of them – If I get the opportunity, I’ve got to take it. That’s all down to me.”

Beck has earned high praise from Gordon Strachan, Dundee’s technical director, who has drawn parallels between him and Robertson.

Redmen Reacts

Beck has earned high praise from Gordon Strachan, Dundee’s technical director, who has drawn parallels between him and Robertson.

Strachan said: “He gets forward, his engine’s good, it’s all good.

“He’s made himself into a better footballer. He’s clever.”

With Robertson not getting any younger and Liverpool’s left-back position a growing debate, Beck has a real opportunity to stake his claim when he returns to Anfield this summer.