Externally, Arne Slot remained cool, calm, and collected on the touchline, with a little fist-pump and a few moments to gather himself.
Internally, Liverpool’s coach understands that this was the season’s most vital goal. today was far from an accomplished performance, as he would admit, but Slot understands that on days like today, it doesn’t matter.
All that counts – and will be remembered – is the emotion that those away supporters felt when Virgil van Dijk scored in the 100th minute.
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All the players will remember from their first visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium is the ecstasy they had when celebrating in the Red Corner at full-time, taking turns soaking up the exuberant supporters’ applause and dancing about after defeating their old opponents.
Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, the departing heroes, will remember about their farewell Merseyside Derby is the delight of defeating the Toffees in what was the first game Evertonians waited for when the fixtures were posted in July.
This fixture, it should be noted, has always had the appearance of a banana peel. Even if Liverpool were undisputed champions and Everton were fighting for relegation, which neither are, this would be a difficult test for the Reds.
nightmare scenario
However, multiple variables conspired to create a nightmare scenario: David Moyes’ team had sights on Europe and came into the game in good form, the new stadium aspect, and the fact that Liverpool had a disastrous season and had appeared susceptible against tough opponents.
In reality, a draw would not have been the worst outcome for Slot, even if it would not have helped a manager who is under tremendous pressure from a huge portion of the crowd.
Liverpool must spend heavily this summer, but few strikers in Europe can match Salah, even in this challenging season. Robertson’s abilities may have waned over the previous 18 months, but his leadership will be much missed and must be addressed.
Van Dijk, the consummate professional and this era’s top defender, will shortly reach the final year of his contract. However, these are all concerns for another day.
Right now, all that counts for Liverpool, Slot, and Co. is the big stride they’ve taken toward Champions League qualifying, as well as how they’ve embarrassed the blue half of Merseyside.
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