The Eternal Rivalry: Liverpool vs Everton
Liverpool and Everton share a storied and intense rivalry that has spanned over a century, making it the longest-running derby in the current top flight of English football. The Merseyside derby, as it is known, has been a fixture every season since 1962/63, with the two clubs from opposite sides of Stanley Park clashing in matches that are a central part of the city’s football-obsessed culture. The rivalry is not just a sporting contest but a profound cultural phenomenon, deeply rooted in the identity of Liverpool.
The Golden Era of the 1980s
The 1980s were a golden age for both clubs, particularly for Liverpool. Together, they dominated the old English First Division, with a combined total of eight league titles, six of which were claimed by the Reds. Liverpool’s success was spearheaded by a series of legendary managers, including Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan, while Everton, under the leadership of Howard Kendall, saw their own moments of glory. This era cemented the derby as one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in English football, with each meeting carrying the weight of a city’s pride and the hope of outshining their neighbors.
The Premier League Era: Liverpool’s Ascendancy
The introduction of the Premier League in 1992 marked a new chapter in the rivalry, with Liverpool maintaining a significant edge over Everton. The Reds have continued to be a powerhouse in English and European football, with Jurgen Klopp leading them to several cups and a near-miss in the 2023/24 Premier League title race. In contrast, Everton has experienced more sporadic success, often contending for European qualification but rarely challenging for the top honors. Despite the imbalance, the derby remains a fiercely competitive and emotionally charged encounter, with both teams bringing their best to the pitch.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
Across all competitions, Liverpool and Everton have faced each other 244 times since their first meeting in October 1894, which resulted in a 3-0 win for Everton. Liverpool has the upper hand in the head-to-head record, with 99 wins to Everton’s 68, and 77 draws. In the Premier League, the disparity is even more pronounced, with Liverpool winning 59 of the 210 matches, Everton 32, and 69 draws. The Toffees’ 2-0 victory at Anfield in February 2021 was a rare and significant triumph, marking their first away Premier League win against Liverpool since 1999.
Memorable Derby Moments: Thrillers and Drama
The Merseyside derby has produced numerous memorable moments, including several thrilling and dramatic encounters. One such game was the 3-2 victory for Liverpool against Everton at Anfield in 1999, where the match was decided in a frantic final 10 minutes. However, a more pivotal moment came in April 2001, when Liverpool secured a 3-2 win with a 94th-minute free-kick from Gary McAllister, a goal that helped the Reds qualify for the Champions League for the first time since its rebranding in 1992. Another unforgettable match was the 3-3 draw at Goodison Park in November 2013, where Romelu Lukaku’s header put Everton ahead only for Daniel Sturridge to equalize in the closing moments, epitomizing the high-stakes nature of these derbies.
Recent Derby Highlights: From Despair to Triumph
The 2018 match at Anfield saw a dramatic turn of events, with Jordan Pickford’s error in the 94th minute leading to a goal by Divock Origi, securing a 1-0 victory for Liverpool. This goal, described as the "daftest derby goal of all-time," was a moment of both ecstasy and agony. However, Everton achieved a significant win in February 2021, ending a 22-year wait for a Premier League victory at Anfield. Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton, with Gylfi Sigurdsson’s late penalty, silenced the Anfield crowd and provided a moment of triumph for the Toffees. These derbies continue to be a testament to the rich history and passionate rivalry between Liverpool and Everton, ensuring that each meeting remains a highlight of the football calendar.
