The German’s last visit to Goodison Park ended in his first defeat there, having previously won two and drawn five, after goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin left their chances of overhauling both their rivals in tatters.

They trail Arsenal by three points and have a vastly-inferior goal difference and while City are a point behind Liverpool they have two matches in hand.

“I can only apologise for today to the people.



It was not good enough.

Melissa Reddy provides two reasons why Liverpool turned away from Ruben Amorim	Liverpool doubts, crucial team meeting - Arne Slot's first priority is clear	Arne Slot has clear Liverpool priority that could shape club's immediate future

“It was not the most inspired performance of all time, I really feel for the people.

I really apologise for that.

“I can’t say now that we are still fully in it; we need a crisis at Man City and Arsenal and need to win football games because if they start losing all their games and we do what we did tonight nothing changes.

“We are not safe in the Champions League as well so we should just play better football.

“It is not a problem of attitude or what the boys want.

No one is doing that on purpose.

“It is my job to bring them into a situation where they feel confident to do that.

That part I am responsible and I am responsible for what happened tonight.

“It is not that I feel great, that is the most tricky part of football obviously.

In the moment it didn’t work out and we have to keep trying.”

Victory for Everton lifted them eight clear of 18th-placed Luton, whom they still have to play, and almost certainly secured them top-flight survival.

“Pleased obviously, delighted with the performance against a top side, delighted for the Evertonians and the old-school Toffees,” said manager Sean Dyche.

“They were terrific.
For more news relating to Everton, visit our sister site EFC Live.