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| Anfield jinx by David Moyes. Source =Transfermarkt |
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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'This might be the moment for Everton manager David Moyes (62) to release his shackles at Anfield.'
The British daily `Guardian' focused on Moyes' 'Anfield Jinks' after the opening of the English Premier League (EPL) in the 2025-2026 season on the 19th (Korea time). Liverpool and Everton are scheduled to play the fifth round of the EPL at 8:30 p.m. on the 20th at Anfield, Liverpool's home stadium.
Moyes, the oldest head coach of the EPL's 20 teams this season, has not won at Anfield in 23 years since he first went on the road to Anfield in 2002 when he was 39 years old and drew 0-0. Moyes, who was in power for Everton for 11 years from 2002 to 2013, played 22 away games in Anfield from four teams until returning to Everton in January after Manchester United (2013-2014), Sunderland (2016-2017), and West Ham (2017-2018, 2019-2024).
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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In Everton's first season, he often earned points in away games in Liverpool, but he suffered humiliation in losing all nine of his recent away games at Anfield. He left for Anfield only once during his time at Manchester United and lost 0-1. Moyes, who returned to Everton for the first time in 12 years, also knelt 0-1 in the Merseyside Derby in 12 years. It is considered bizarre that a veteran who has led more than 700 EPL games has not won in such a long time in a specific stadium.
Everton have also been weak in Merseyside, with only one victory at Anfield since 1999. Even that is a victory that he took to the game without spectators in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, the reason 'Guardian' carefully predicted Moyes' chances of winning lies in the recent trend. Moyes won 38 points in the EPL after returning to Everton in January. Only four leaders have won more points than Moyes during the same period: Liverpool manager Arne Slot (50 points), Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (43 points), Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (43 points), and Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca (41 points).
Everton also ranked sixth this season with two wins, one draw and one loss and seven points in four games. Winger Jack Grealish, brought on loan from Manchester City, is leading Everton's rebound with an overwhelming performance that exploded four assists in four games. 'Guardian'Grealish made a creative play against Aston Villa, scoring five chances.
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| EPAYonhap News |
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"We had a close game against Liverpool in two previous games last season," Moyes said in a pre-press conference against Liverpool. "Liverpool strengthened its power by recruiting players. It may not work right away, but it will work one day. Lee has also improved. This match against Liverpool could be the right time to show that we've stepped up."
Then "This doesn't mean we're close to Liverpool. Liverpool have played different levels of football in the last few years than we have. It was the same during the week (against Atletico Madrid). You have to be extra careful. Let's see if we can produce a positive result."
Liverpool, the defending champion, was the only EPL 20 teams to lead the league by winning all four games. Although it is evaluated as revealing weaknesses in the fullback position, it is showing a 'Winning Mentality' that scores dramatic goals in a row at the end of the game.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
