Everton manager David Moyes believes the gap between his team and Premier League leaders Liverpool has never been greater as the Toffees prepare for Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Liverpool are firmly on course to claim a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, holding a commanding 12-point lead at the summit. In stark contrast, Everton sit 15th in the table, trailing their fierce rivals by a staggering 36 points, despite a nine-match unbeaten league run since Moyes returned for his second spell at Goodison Park in January.
“We might be further away from Liverpool than we have ever been at the moment,” Moyes admitted in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
“By the time I left here about 10 years ago, we were much closer to Liverpool—we were competitive, fighting for similar places in the table. But right now, I think the gap between the two clubs is the biggest it has ever been.”

Even during periods when Everton were more competitive, Anfield has been an unhappy hunting ground for Moyes. Across 21 visits as manager of Everton, Manchester United, Sunderland, and West Ham, he has never won, managing only seven draws.
“I would be lying if I said I look forward to going there because it has been such a tough place to get results,” he said.
“It’s nothing to do with the stadium, the pitch, or anything else—it’s about them [Liverpool] always having top-quality teams. Any side that visits Anfield knows they have a real battle ahead.”
Liverpool will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injury, and the match could mark the final Merseyside derby for key players Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose contracts expire at the end of the season. Salah, in particular, has tormented Everton, scoring eight goals in 12 derby appearances.
Moyes, however, would not be sad to see the Egyptian forward leave Anfield.
“We will enjoy taking him to the airport and getting him on the plane and getting him out!” he joked.