David Moyes is enjoying this, isn't he? The Everton manager's attempt at diplomacy before Wednesday's derby fooled absolutely nobody.

Sure, he offered the obligatory sympathy for Arne Slot's current predicament. Called him a brilliant coach, said he'd done a great job. All very magnanimous from the Scot.

But then came the glint in his eye. The barely suppressed smirk. The moment Moyes couldn't resist having a dig at one of Slot's explanations for our stuttering season. You could practically see him thinking 'gotcha'.

This is vintage Moyes. Always was one for the mind games, always believed he could get under Liverpool's skin. The fact he's doing it from across Stanley Park again, with Everton actually showing some signs of life, only adds to his confidence.

The Blues are heading into their first derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium with genuine optimism. Europe beckons for them whilst we're scrapping to stay in the top four conversation. The power dynamic has shifted, and Moyes knows it.

He's trying to pile the pressure on Slot whilst painting himself as the understanding elder statesman. It's transparent as anything, but that doesn't mean it won't work.

The real test comes on Wednesday night, when all the pre-match posturing gets forgotten and it's about who wants it more on the pitch.

Credit: Andy Hunter, The Guardian