'I wanted to rip Liverpool icon's tongue out after Merseyside derby goal against Everton'

Liverpool goes into tonight's Merseyside derby knowing a win is a must if it is to keep its title hopes alive. The Reds sit second in the Premier League, three points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

The Gunners put five past Chelsea on Tuesday night and has a considerably better goal difference than Liverpool and third-place Manchester City, who does have games in hand.

Liverpool won the reverse fixture against Everton 2-0 back in October and Jürgen Klopp does have an excellent record in derby matches. He has lost just once in 18 games, with that coming behind-closed-doors at Anfield in 2021.

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Remarkably that is just one of four Everton league successes over Liverpool since the turn of the century, with the Reds so often having the upper hand over their city rivals. Former world champion boxer and boyhood Everton fan Tony Bellew previously reflected on that record and one match in particular that stood out.

Liverpool had fallen behind to an early Kevin Campbell goal at Goodison Park in September 2001 but roared back thanks to a stunning strike from Steven Gerrard. The visitors went in front as Michael Owen scored from the spot before John Arne Riise secured the win.

Bellew though still recalls being irate at Gerrard's celebration after equalizing. Speaking to BBC Sport's Match of the Day from inside Goodison Park, he said: "I sat here for the derby, the horrible derby when that horrible man Steven Gerrard scored.

“He ran right down this way with his tongue out, ‘Blaaa!’ If I get hold of you, I’ll pull that tongue out of our mouth. Just kills me that he is probably the best player this city’s ever produced. Well it is him or Wayne Rooney — he’s unbelievable.”

Gerrard had an excellent record in Merseyside derby matches, scoring 10 times against Everton. His tally includes a memorable hat-trick in an Anfield victory back in 2012.

Liverpool.com says: The Reds will head to Goodison Park, hoping to inflict more derby misery on Everton and Klopp will be eager to bow out with a win. Everton fans have often been left seething after these matches and that Gerrard celebration clearly still riles Bellew. Liverpool will be aiming for more of the same tonight, with a win needed if it is to keep pace with Arsenal at the top, and pile more pressure on Manchester City.