Liverpool boss Arne Slot couldn’t resist a cheeky three-word dig at Everton.
The Toffees hosted their first match at their shiny new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock on Monday night as Everton and Wigan’s under-18 teams played out a friendly.
Everton’s new stadium played host to its first-ever match on Monday[/caption]
Approximately 10,000 Evertonians sat in the South Stand for the inaugural contest, but it was a Wigan youngster who instantly turned himself into a trivia answer.
Latics midfielder Harrison Rimmer became the first player to score at Everton’s new stadium when he popped up with a goal in the 13th minute.
Rimmer just so happened to score in front of the Everton supporters in the South Stand.
The teen, who supports Liverpool, made sure he took the chance to wind up the Everton fans by holding up six fingers, which is a reference to the Reds being European champions on six occasions.
Rimmer later posted about his historic goal on Instagram along with the caption: “Rattled.”
As Slot arrived on Tuesday for his press conference ahead of his side’s trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday, he asked one question to the gathered reporters about Monday’s friendly.
“Who scored first?” Slot said.
A grin quickly flashed on the Dutchman’s face, hinting he knew exactly what he was doing by asking the question.
One reporter replied: “Harrison Rimmer, a Liverpool fan.”
Upon hearing the answer, Slot’s smile grew even wider.
Liverpool FC – FacebookSlot couldn’t help himself with a cheeky dig at Liverpool’s bitter rivals[/caption]
Slot’s quip came less than a week after his side played out a pulsating 2-2 draw against Everton in what was the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Beto opened the scoring for the Toffees in the 11th minute but Alexis Mac Allister equalised just five minutes later.
Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead in the 73rd minute and it looked for all money to be the winner.
However, James Tarkowski provided a 98th-minute twist as he thumped home a volley from close range to salvage a valuable point for the hosts.
At full-time, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones were given red cards after the Everton midfielder taunted the Liverpool supporters and sparked a furious reaction from his opposite number.
Slot himself was also given a red card by referee Michael Oliver following a tense exchange and lengthy handshake with the official.
The Premier League later explained Slot would serve a two-game touchline ban for using ‘offensive, insulting, or abusive language’.
Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were later charged by the FA and had until February 19 to provide their respective responses.
Despite his charge, Slot was still allowed to be on the touchline for Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Wolves on Sunday.
As it stands, Slot will once again be fee to operate in the dugout at Villa Park on Wednesday for Liverpool’s clash against Villa.
Victory for Liverpool would send them 10 points clear at the top, although the gap could return to seven should second-placed Arsenal beat West Ham United on Saturday.
