‘That’s their level’ – Jones hits out at Everton after 2-1 defeat

The England international doubled down with another pointed remark, adding: “If that’s what they take as a stepping stone or a step in the right direction, then I don’t know.”

It’s a comment that will no doubt divide opinion, but from a Liverpool perspective, it reflects the standards we expect, even in a campaign that hasn’t hit the heights of last season.

Liverpool focus remains on Champions League objective

Jones made it clear that, despite the derby drama and the emotion around such a late winner, our focus isn’t on what Everton are doing but on our own targets.

“We don’t think about teams that are catching us. We only ever look forward and we know that we have to play in the Champions League.”

Virgil van Dijk also spoke of the importance of scoring such a late goal, now we must continue this form for the the rest of the season.

That mentality is exactly what Arne Slot will want to see heading into the final stretch, especially with the Opta supercomputer suggesting just how tight the race for the top five could be.

The reality is that a draw might have been a fair result on the balance of play, but great teams find a way, and Van Dijk’s 100th-minute winner ensured we did just that in the most dramatic fashion possible.

Jones’ immediate reaction to that goal said everything, but his post-match words have now added another layer to this rivalry, reminding everyone that even in a difficult season, Liverpool’s expectations remain miles above those across Stanley Park.