Merseyside derby victory ´an unbelievable compliment´ to Liverpool, says Slot

Arne Slot believes the manner of Liverpool’s dramatic win over Everton was an “unbelievable compliment” towards his players’ efforts.

The Reds claimed local bragging rights in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time winner snatching a 2-1 victory.

It was one in the face of adversity for Liverpool, who played without a recognised right-back, while third goalkeeper Freddie Woodman finished the game between the sticks following injury to Giorgi Mamardashvili.

And having conceded so many late goals this season, Slot was delighted to see his side enjoy a welcome reverse in fortune.

“It’s been a while since we conceded in stoppage time,” he said. “So, at this moment of time, when I see the board going up for extra time, that’s not my first thought.

“And we watch him score…”pic.twitter.com/3u990RGZzk

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“And when I looked at my players, it was definitely not my first thought, because I think in that spell, we were getting closer and closer to scoring a goal.

“That’s an unbelievable compliment towards these players because we’ve played five games in 15 days, with mainly the same players. To show what they showed is a big, big, big compliment to the mentality of this team.”

Liverpool strengthened their grip on fifth place – the final qualifying spot for next season’s Champions League – but Slot was more impressed by the way his players “represented” the club.

“In the league, of course, we are far from where we want to be, but we have to accept that situation because we’ve dropped so many points after playing in Europe,” he added.

“I think in the lead-up to this game, it was not as much about the league table, it’s also about representing Liverpool.

“It’s a privilege to represent this club and, today, they showed what it means to the players to represent this club. And the fans were, as they’ve been throughout the whole season, a big, big, big support for us.

“To beat them then in the first game in their new stadium after the week we had, is an enormous compliment to everybody involved in Liverpool FC.”