’10 years is quite frightening’ – Osman identifies where Everton need to improve to win derby
Leon Osman has spoken of how it feels to be part of the last Everton squad to beat Liverpool ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby.
Osman started as an Everton side managed by David Moyes won 2-0 against Liverpool in October 2010, with the two goals coming from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta.
In an interview with Sky Sports, The former Toffees man also identified where he thinks the game could be won or lost when the city rivals meet at Goodison Park on Saturday.
He said, “It was our day, scored good goals and deserved the win. To finish that fixture and then say we wouldn’t win another derby for 10 years is quite frightening.
“[This year] The team that defends the best will win the game. Both teams have incredible ability going forward – Everton are scoring goals at will and Liverpool have always had the ability to score at any moment of a game.
“But both teams have shown they can improve defensively. Everton have beaten West Brom 5-2 and Brighton 4-2 so there is still the opportunity to tighten up. Liverpool have just conceded seven so whichever team is better defensively will win the game.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently sit top of the Premier League table and might just be favourites heading into Saturday’s tie. The Toffees look rejuvenated this season following the additions of James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the summer.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also carried on his splendid form from last season, scoring nine goals in six competitive appearances for Everton this season. But Ancelotti’s defence is a blemish on the Toffees’ stellar start to the season.
Jordan Pickford has looked shaky at best this season and he has only kept one league clean sheet this season, against Tottenham on the opening weekend. Since then Everton have let in five goals in three games and that could spell trouble when they face Liverpool’s attack this weekend.
Hopefully, come Saturday night, Everton fans are celebrating a famous win and they can stop counting the months and years since their last derby victory.
In other Everton news, Carlo Ancelotti has provided and injury update ahead of the derby and hinted at the return of a long-term absentee in the near future.