Trent Alexander-Arnold makes claim about Everton ahead of next weekend’s Merseyside derby

Given the fact that previously they had not won since December, this marks an almighty change in fortunes for Sean Dyche’s men.

And, arguably there have been no huge changes made, but instead a newfound proficiency and a slice of fortune at last.

However, they will certainly need both of those traits in abundance if they are to get anything against title-chasing Liverpool this Wednesday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold previews Merseyside derby

Speaking post-match live on Sky Sports yesterday (21/04, 6:45 pm), Trent Alexander-Arnold was asked by former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher about his thoughts on the Merseyside derby.

A hotly-anticipated fixture, rearranged to this Wednesday due to the Reds’ prior progression in the FA Cup, it is a match that promises to have huge repercussions at both ends of the table. More specifically, the 46-year-old questioned whether the clash had entered his thinking yet or not. The full-back replied: ‘Already, to be honest! It’s exciting.

‘When it comes to derbies, football kind of goes out the window, and it’s about who wants to win it more. They’ll be looking to put an end to our title race and any chance of winning the title this year, and we’ll be looking to put them in a sticky situation as well.

‘It’s going to come down to who wants it more. They’ve got a good result today, we’ve got a good result. It’s two teams that are in decent form, so I’m sure it’ll be a very, very good game.’

Everton have eased the pressure on the Liverpool game

Had Everton lost to Forest, there would be mountains of pressure on a game they tend not to win.

After all, the last time they defeated Liverpool at Goodison Park was in 2010, a truly depressing figure.

But the fact that they did beat their relegation rivals has meant that Wednesday’s fixture holds far less importance, given they are now five points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town.

That is made especially true given the fact that it is a game in hand, so there is literally no obligation to claim a result.

Anything other than a loss would mark a monumental feat, not only because of the additional benefits it would provide to their relegation fight but also in scuppering Liverpool’s title chances, as Alexander-Arnold notes. It is unlikely to be a thriller of a football match, but one in which the Toffees might have some newfound confidence after their recent return to winning ways.