Danny Murphy explains why he is 'worried' about Everton ahead of Liverpool showdown next

Danny Murphy admits he’s “worried” for Liverpool ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton.

Everton looked to be heading to a disappointing defeat to fellow European hopefuls Brentford on Saturday after an Igor Thiago Brace.

But a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall equaliser in the 91st minute ensured David Moyes‘ side came away with a valuable point, after Beto also scored in the 2-2 draw.

The result saw both teams close to within one point of sixth-placed Chelsea, who are on course to qualify for next season’s Europa League, with six matches remaining.

Everton will head into their derby clash with Liverpool in an optimistic mood, and now former Reds player Murphy has outlined why.

Everton show never-say-die attitude

Everton had less possession, shots on goal, and a lower Expected Goals tally but secured a battling point at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Summer signing Dewsbury-Hall took his tally to seven goals and five assists in 25 Premier League games this season, and Beto is finding form again with four goals in his last five.

Earlier this season, speculation was rife about his Everton future, particularly as summer recruit Thierno Barry was ahead of him in the pecking order.

That is no longer the case, as the 28-year-old striker is full of confidence at the Merseyside outfit, while Barry is now among the substitutes.

Iliman Ndiaye is one of the most effective dribblers in the league, and Dewsbury-Hall’s form has led to talk of an England call-up, although that still eludes him.

Put all these factors together, and Murphy has concerns for his old club Liverpool ahead of their first encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, even though they beat Fulham 2-0 on Saturday.

“That resilience is key, matched with the quality they have higher up the pitch. You think of Dewsbury-Hall with his contribution, Ndiaye, even Beto is starting to score now,” he said on Match of the Day.

“They are more of a threat; they’ve got more quality. He’s [Moyes] has done a wonderful job. Nobody gave Everton a chance of Europe, nobody. Unfortunately, it’s the derby next week, I’m a bit worried about that.”

Jordan Pickford has rare off day for Everton

Pickford has arguably been Everton’s player of the season, with the England international playing a huge role in their push for Europe.

The 32-year-old has kept 11 clean sheets, has one of the best save percentages in the division, and his goals prevented stat of 4.76 is right up there with the best.

That led to praise from Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney, with the latter saying Pickford is England’s best-ever keeper.

But against Brentford, Pickford clumsily gave away a penalty inside the opening two minutes.

Since joining Everton in 2017, only Wolves’ Jose Sa has conceded more Premier League penalties than Pickford’s six.

Everton will need Pickford back at his best for the Liverpool game next time out.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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