Introduction

For David Moyes, Anfield is synonymous with heartbreak. With a staggering 21 matches managed there, he has yet to taste victory. Instead, he has endured 14 defeats and watched as his teams conceded 36 goals within those walls. As Moyes prepares for another Merseyside derby against league leaders Liverpool this Wednesday, the pressure is mounting.

The Current Situation

Moyes, now 61 years old, acknowledged the vast chasm between his Everton side and their rivals: "Currently, we might be further away from Liverpool than we've ever been. In the past, we were competitive, but now it's arguably the biggest gulf between the clubs in Merseyside derby history."

Statistically speaking, he’s not exaggerating. This represents the largest points gap prior to any derby managed by Moyes during his tenure at Everton. His record of 19 Premier League matches without a win at Anfield is a disheartening milestone—one that no other manager in the league has experienced.

Historical Context

In previous stints at Everton, Moyes endured a dozen games at Anfield, securing only seven draws and facing seven losses. While managing Manchester United and Sunderland, he failed to win in his lone outings as well. His time with West Ham was equally uninspiring, losing all seven matches at Anfield, including a recent humiliating 5-1 defeat during the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in December 2023.

Moyes' Aspirations

"I don’t want this record," Moyes admitted. "I want to win. Every time we go there, I'm hopeful we can change that narrative." Nonetheless, he’s realistic: "Going to Anfield is daunting. It has never been easy to get results there, thanks to the quality of teams Liverpool consistently produces."

Moyes' Current Tenure

Moyes is currently in his second spell as Everton boss, having taken over in January after Sean Dyche's dismissal when the team sat precariously at 16th in the Premier League, just clear of the relegation zone with only three wins from 19 matches. Although his return began with a 1-0 home loss, he has since sparked a resurgence, guiding Everton to an unbeaten stretch, save for a 2-0 elimination in the FA Cup against Bournemouth.

Recent Performances

Notable victories over Tottenham, Brighton, Leicester, and Crystal Palace, along with five draws, have created a 17-point cushion from the drop zone. The prospective move to a new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock in the 2025-26 season adds to the optimism surrounding the club.

Hope Against Liverpool

One thrilling highlight from this revival was the recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Goodison Park, where James Tarkowski's last-minute equalizer brought Everton back into the game. Under Moyes, Everton has accumulated 17 points, the fifth most in the Premier League during this slice of the season, though runaway leaders Liverpool lead that particular statistic with 23 points.

Facing Mohamed Salah

As Moyes gears up for the challenge, he faces the towering task of containing Liverpool's talisman Mohamed Salah, who has been in sensational form. When asked about his strategy to stop the Egyptian, he jokingly suggested, "Maybe we could build a wall?" But serious concern lingers regarding Salah's impact, given his formidable skills and this exceptional season.

Moyes' Challenges

Throughout his managerial career, Moyes has faced challenges in certain venues, including Stamford Bridge where he failed to secure a single win, drawing seven and losing 12. Likewise, Highbury and the Emirates Stadium proved difficult hunting grounds. Comparatively, he is not the only manager to have such dismal records—Harry Redknapp, for instance, lost all 15 league fixtures at Old Trafford.

Conclusion

As David Moyes looks to finally break his Anfield curse, anticipation is rife: will he shift the narrative and lead his team to a historic win, or will the nightmare continue? Only time will tell in this electrifying Merseyside encounter!