Let’s be clear from the outset: Liverpool will undoubtedly claim the championship by May, as Peter Bolster confidently predicts. They’re on the brink of securing their 20th league title, a feat that feels almost destined.
But this isn’t about their imminent victory. It’s about Everton and the narrative they’ve spun around February’s derby—a story told around a 98th-minute equalizer they’ve mistakenly celebrated as a victory.
Liverpool needs to correct the record.
James Tarkowski’s last-gasp strike didn’t hand Everton a win. It was a draw—a missed opportunity rather than a triumph for Liverpool.
Yet, listen to the Everton fans discussing it. Their tweets, their chants—they talk as if they’d clinched a trophy. Even Virgil van Dijk noted how they’ve held onto it in his post-match reflections.
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s antics after the whistle blew only encapsulated what it meant for them—they relished in not just taking a point but in believing they’d landed a punch on Liverpool. And in football, that belief carries weight.
Breaking the Illusion
This is where the concept of social constructionism steps in—how reality is defined not just by facts but by the significance we ascribe to them.
While officially a draw, Everton fans have decided otherwise. To them, their celebrations, their narratives, have turned it into a psychological win, giving them a confidence boost. In football, belief is a potent force.
Liverpool let them weave this tale. That particular game, among others, wasn’t inspiring. They’ve been plagued by disappointing showings, from dropped points against rivals like Man United to losing in both the Champions League and League Cup final—the latter being especially stinging.
February’s derby was during this slump—a lethargic outing where Liverpool didn’t play like the champions they aspire to be, and Everton capitalized.
They seized on Liverpool’s lack of inventiveness and vigor, crafting their version of reality.
Lingering grievances over the Mohamed Salah non-foul in stoppage time, and subsequent events, still resonate. The extra time resulted in further frustration for Liverpool.
Tarkowski’s late goal didn’t merely equalize—it furnished Everton with a story, a sense they’d stood up to Liverpool and emerged stronger.
That’s how social constructionism influences perception and collective memory. When many believe it, it feels real. Fans rushing the field are proof.
This upcoming match at Anfield isn’t just another fixture. It’s about reclaiming the narrative.
Everton supporters have convinced themselves that the February draw was a game-changer, that David Moyes has handed them the tools to challenge Liverpool, at least in a single matchup.
They’ve mistaken one fortunate moment for a power shift. Another draw at Anfield would cement their belief, suggesting they’re closing the gap—even if the standings say otherwise. That’s why Liverpool must change the script.
And let’s make one thing obvious: this league is ours. We’re undisputedly superior. Everton’s scraps shouldn’t be mistaken for a feast.
Should Liverpool let Everton leave Anfield with a point, it won’t ruin Liverpool’s title hopes, but it will fortify the illusion Everton fans cherish.
Such is the way belief spreads. Liverpool needs to extinguish that belief at its core—not with a clumsy 1–0, but with a commanding display that dispels any illusions of parity.
Time for Dominance
Winning the league isn’t the sole aim. The greatest Liverpool teams don’t just win—they dominate. They create a narrative where Everton taking anything from them is unthinkable.
Liverpool must dismantle the myth of Tarkowski’s goal and replace it with a clear truth—one where Liverpool leads by miles, undeniably. They’re indeed miles ahead—Opta reports a 99.13 percent chance of claiming the Premier League—but delusion persists at an all-time high across Stanley Park.
If Everton manages any result on Wednesday, it’ll fuel their narrative for ages. That’s why Everton fans hope for a draw at Anfield—it’s as good as a win for them.
It preserves the myth, suggesting they can resist, frustrate, and stay within reach of Liverpool. Doucoure’s taunting wasn’t about the score—it was about making Liverpool play Everton’s game.
Liverpool must dismantle that mindset.
But they need to do it on their terms. Matching Everton’s grit would only play into their hands.
Instead, Liverpool needs to respond with skill—demonstrating control, accuracy, and efficiency. They should dictate play, proving February was an outlier, not progress. Everton is still trailing, and everyone sees it.
Sure, we’re on track for the league title. But I want Liverpool to perform like champions from now till May. Not just grinding out wins, but putting on a display.
Everton’s living in the shadow of their self-proclaimed victory since February. It’s time we show them what a real win looks like.
This column was written by Peter Bolster, a contributor to the Red All Over the Land fanzine and secretary of Spirit of Shankly.
