Liverpool manager Arne Slot couldn’t resist a playful three-word jab at Everton during a recent press conference.
The Toffees marked a historic moment on Monday night as they hosted their first match at the newly constructed 52,888-capacity Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
Everton’s under-18 team faced Wigan Athletic in a friendly, with around 10,000 Everton fans filling the South Stand for the occasion. However, it was a Wigan youngster who stole the spotlight and etched his name into the history books.
Wigan midfielder Harrison Rimmer became the first player to score at Everton’s new stadium, netting a goal in the 13th minute.
The teenager, who happens to be a Liverpool supporter, celebrated his historic strike in front of the Everton fans by holding up six fingers—a cheeky reference to Liverpool’s six European Cup triumphs. Rimmer later took to Instagram to share his moment, captioning the post: “Rattled.”
When Slot arrived for his press conference on Tuesday ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Aston Villa, he couldn’t resist bringing up the friendly.
“Who scored first?” Slot asked, a grin quickly spreading across his face as he hinted at his playful intent.
One reporter responded: “Harrison Rimmer, a Liverpool fan.”
Upon hearing the answer, Slot’s smile widened even further, clearly enjoying the moment.
The lighthearted dig came just days after Liverpool and Everton played out an intense 2-2 draw in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Beto opened the scoring for Everton in the 11th minute, but Alexis Mac Allister equalized five minutes later. Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead in the 73rd minute, only for James Tarkowski to snatch a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer for the hosts.
The match ended in controversy, with Abdoulaye Doucouré and Curtis Jones receiving red cards after a heated exchange sparked by Doucouré taunting Liverpool fans.
Slot himself was also shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver following a tense post-match handshake. The Premier League later confirmed that Slot would serve a two-game touchline ban for using “offensive, insulting, or abusive language.”
Despite the charge, Slot was permitted to be on the touchline for Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Wolves on Sunday. As it stands, he will also be free to manage from the dugout during Liverpool’s upcoming match against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
A win for Liverpool would extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 10 points, though the gap could shrink back to seven if second-placed Arsenal defeat West Ham United on Saturday.
