Troy Deeney makes Liverpool ‘legend’ claim after what happened v Everton
Arne Slot has adapted to life at Anfield seamlessly with his side at the top of the table and a Wembley trip coming in March.
The Reds are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League but despite their good form this season, were not able to make it count against Everton.
The final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park proved to be a dramatic event when the Toffees scored a 98th minute equaliser to come away with a point.
Troy Deeney likes Curtis Jones actions
The finale of the clash led to carnage on the pitch which continued after the full-time whistle.
Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrating the result in front of the travelling Liverpool supporters promoted Curtis Jones to react in an emotional way which resulted in a brawl between the two sets of players after the game.
Both Jones and Doucoure were shown second yellow cards meaning they were sent off while Arne Slot was also shown a red card for his actions towards the referee.
The scenes after the game have caused controversy in the media with some labelling the scenes as unsavoury.
However, Deeney admitted he was on the other side of the fence and praised the Liverpool man for his actions in response to Dourcoure.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (14 February), Alex Crook admitted: “I’ve got no problem with what Doucoure did, celebrating in front of the Liverpool fans because they were singing a few minutes earlier, we won the league at Goodison Park. So if you’re going to dish it out you’ve got to take it back.”
Deeney was quick to agree with the stance as he responded: “Yeah of course and that’s why I think at the same time, Curtis Jones is right to do that. He’s from Liverpool, he’s a Liverpool fan and he’s defending his team.
“I think Rory Jennings said it, both players come out of that excellently for their own fan bases. Doucoure will be a legend now to Everton fans for what he did and so will Curtis Jones.”
Curtis Jones showed he has a future at Liverpool
The 24-year-old has made 24 Premier League appearances for Slot’s side this term, contributing three goals and three assists across the campaign.
However, competition for places against Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai has not made it easy for him to hold down a secured spot in the Liverpool team, meaning his Liverpool performances have to be enough to prove himself.
Although some may feel as though a sending-off is counter-productive, as Deeney says, this may have just further proved exactly what the academy graduate can give at Anfield going forward.
It was a passionate Merseyside Derby and although emotions boiled over on the evening, Jones proved how much desire he has to succeed with his side by his reaction to Doucoure’s actions.
It certainly doesn’t mean there isn’t work to continue to do on the pitch to show Slot he has the ability to be a long-term player at Anfield but supporters will surely be keen to show the midfielder plenty of support as they know he is on their side.