talkSPORT pundit Alex Crook explains why Everton could upset Liverpool at Anfield
Everton have “a bit of hope” of picking up a positive result at Anfield this weekend due to the number of times Liverpool have fallen behind in games, according to talkSPORT pundit Alex Crook.
The Toffees make the short trip across Stanley Park seeking just a second win at Anfield since 1999, and just a second win overall in this fixture in 29 attempts.
Speaking on the Access All Areas podcast [18 October, 5m 15s], Crook said Everton have a chance of stopping the rot should they take advantage of their Merseyside rivals’ slow starts.
“Their record in this fixture is lamentable,” he said. “Liverpool have also looked solid at the start of the campaign so you’d expect Liverpool will win this game.
“However, they do have this habit of conceding the first goal and having to do it the hard way, so maybe that gives Everton a bit of hope.”
Positivity
Everton supporters have become accustomed to coming away from this fixture disappointed, particularly at Anfield.
The Toffees’ only victory on enemy soil since the turn of the millennium came in February 2021 – and even that was in the lockdown season with no fans present.
Indeed, then-manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted after the match that ending the barren run did not really count given the circumstances.
After finding some form with a 3-0 win over Bournemouth prior to the international break, Everton will make the trip to Anfield with a positive mindset.
Liverpool are unbeaten at home in 15 Premier League games in a run stretching back almost exactly a year, when Leeds United came away with a 2-1 victory.
That just goes to show that, if the right gameplan is utilised, it is possible to come away from this match with a shock result. Let’s just not hold our breath!
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan admits he was “absolutely wrong” in a debate regarding the Toffees’ upcoming FFP case.