LIVERPOOL MUST KEEP THEIR COMPOSURE TO CLINCH PREMIER LEAGUE GLORY

Liverpool’s loss of composure after the final whistle at a boiling Goodison Park was absolutely normal, according to Virgil van Dijk. He was speaking in relation to Abdoulaye Doucouré’s provocative celebrations in front of the Liverpool support. However, what was not normal was their loss of control before the final whistle, a moment of uncharacteristic sloppiness for an Arne Slot team. That loss of focus, combined with the sense of injustice at James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute equaliser, fuelled the fury that exploded in their final trip across Stanley Park.

Despite the frustration of dropping two points in stoppage time, Liverpool remain in a strong position with a seven-point lead over a striker-less Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. However, the dropped points at Goodison, coupled with an increasingly frayed temperament, have raised concerns ahead of a crucial run of fixtures. This was the second successive below-par performance at the home of their oldest rivals, and while they managed to escape with a point this time, the warning signs were clear. With four crucial matches in 11 days against Wolves, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Newcastle, Liverpool cannot afford to let emotions dictate their performances. The title race will not be won by passion alone—it will be won by composure, discipline, and clarity of thought.

Everton’s approach to the derby was predictable, yet Liverpool still found themselves drawn into the chaos. David Moyes’s side, much like last season, set out to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm, cutting off passing lanes and making the game as scrappy as possible. Instead of asserting control, Liverpool played into their hands, losing composure in their play before eventually losing it in their reactions. The style that has defined their title charge—calm, precise, and relentless—was missing. Instead, there was panic, rushed decisions, and a lack of the usual control that has made them such a dominant force this season.

The statistics told a concerning story. Liverpool managed only six attempts on Jordan Pickford’s goal, their lowest tally in a Premier League match this season. Their total was even lower than in their infamous 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in April 2023. Meanwhile, Everton registered 10 attempts despite limited attacking options. The hosts relied heavily on long balls, yet it was Liverpool who played to their strengths, launching 64 long passes—their joint-highest tally of the season. This played directly into the hands of Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Jake O’Brien, Everton’s towering centre-backs, who relished the aerial battle. With Ryan Gravenberch struggling to impose himself, Liverpool’s midfield lacked its usual fluency. It was only through rare moments of controlled, patient build-up that Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah found the net.

Van Dijk acknowledged the intensity of the occasion but suggested Liverpool allowed themselves to be dragged into an unnecessary battle. “We all know we could have played better,” he admitted. “But you play against a team who treat this as their game of the season. Coming here is always difficult. They make it uncomfortable—long balls, second-ball fights, and lucky bounces. At times we matched them well, but at other times we struggled. Overall, we definitely could have done better.”

The frustration at full-time was understandable. Michael Oliver’s officiating was inconsistent, and Liverpool felt aggrieved by Doucouré’s celebrations and what they saw as a foul on Ibrahima Konaté in the build-up to the equaliser. Slot, normally a composed figure on the touchline, cut an agitated presence throughout the match. His pre-match analysis had identified cheap fouls as a major factor in Liverpool’s struggles at Goodison last season. Yet, his team committed 20 fouls—another season-high. His pleas for discipline went unheeded.

Van Dijk was critical of Oliver’s control of the match but recognised the need for Liverpool to handle adversity better. “I told the ref that he didn’t have it under control the way we wanted,” he said. “Some fouls were given too easily, others not at all. But these moments are decisive, and for Doucouré to provoke the fans, that is normal. Curtis [Jones] reacted, which was also normal in the heat of the moment. I tried to stay calm and get everyone away, because I know how much we need everyone on Sunday. But when the ref gives the manager and assistant coach a red card too, that felt strange.”

Liverpool’s emotional reaction, while understandable, is not sustainable in a title race that demands clarity under pressure. The best teams do not get drawn into unnecessary fights. They rise above controversy, channel frustration into performance, and maintain the cool heads needed to see out difficult games. The ability to stay calm when the stakes are highest separates champions from challengers. Manchester City have perfected this art in recent years, suffocating games with control even when under immense pressure. Liverpool must do the same.

Slot’s squad now faces a defining stretch of games, starting with Wolves at Anfield. The fixture list is relentless, and every opponent will be looking to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm. Wolves, Villa, City, and Newcastle all pose different threats, but they will share one common goal—forcing Liverpool into moments of panic. The Reds must not allow that to happen.

Maintaining their composure does not mean playing without intensity—it means channelling it effectively. Mac Allister, Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold must take control of the midfield battles, ensuring Liverpool dictate the tempo. The defence, led by Van Dijk, needs to be more authoritative in clearing danger without resorting to hopeful clearances. And, crucially, Slot must ensure his touchline energy remains measured, providing his team with the steady leadership they need in high-pressure situations.

Every title race has its defining moments. Dropped points at Goodison Park may yet prove insignificant, but if Liverpool continue to let external factors dictate their performances, they will be punished. The Premier League does not forgive lapses in discipline. The emotional energy that fuels great comebacks can just as easily lead to costly mistakes. Liverpool must ensure they are the ones controlling their fate, not reacting to it.

Van Dijk, a leader in every sense, issued a rallying cry to his teammates. “Conceding in the last seconds of a game is difficult. It should hurt. But we have two options—dwell on it and stay angry, or take it on board, recover, and be ready for Wolves. That’s the best thing to do.”

He is right. The path to the title is still in Liverpool’s hands. But if they are to lift the Premier League trophy, they must learn from Goodison. They must be smarter, calmer, and more ruthless. In the final stretch of the season, composure will be their greatest weapon.