The Premier League is full of great rivalries, but on Merseyside, the one that matters the most is the one between Liverpool and Everton. Historically, Liverpool has the all-time advantage in Merseyside derbies over the Toffees, and that has certainly been the case in recent years. But Liverpool’s dominance doesn’t mean this matchup hasn’t produced a lot of great matches and memorable moments. To get a better sense of the history of the Liverpool-Everton rivalry, let’s take a look back at some of the best Merseyside derby games of all time.
Liverpool 7, Everton 4 – 1933
You’d be hard-pressed to find somebody still alive who remembers this game. However, an 11-goal Merseyside derby is certainly one for the record books. Harold Barton scored a hat trick for Liverpool, as the Reds had to come from behind in a 7-4 win over the Blues.
Liverpool 3, Everton 1 – 1986
This Merseyside derby is among the most memorable because it came in the FA Cup final, which was a far bigger deal in 1986 than it is today. At the time, Liverpool and Everton were both among the elite clubs in England. Gary Lineker scored in the first half to give Everton the lead. But the Reds struck back three times to lift the trophy.
Liverpool 3, Everton 2 – 1989
A few years after meeting in the finals, Liverpool and Everton met in the FA Cup semifinals. This match has historical significance because it came just a few weeks after the Hillsborough tragedy. At Wembley Stadium, fans from the two Merseyside clubs mixed with one another throughout the stands in solidarity. Liverpool won the game 3-2, but the result was of secondary importance compared to everything surrounding the match.
Liverpool 4, Everton 4 – 1991
Once again, the FA Cup provided the setting for a memorable derby. What could be more exciting than a cup match between two bitter rivals that produces eight goals? The emotional swings were incredible, and in the end, the two teams had to have a replay, which Everton won 1-0.
Everton 1, Liverpool 0 – 1999
For Everton, this was a historic win at Anfield. Just a few minutes into the game, Kevin Campbell got past the Liverpool defense to score the only goal of the game. Of course, that meant over 80 minutes of the Toffees trying to hold onto the lead with the tension growing throughout. Late in the match, things boiled over when Sander Westerveld and Francis Jeffers both received red cards, forcing Steve Staunton to step in as Liverpool’s goalie. Steven Gerrard soon got a red card as well, forcing Liverpool to finish with nine players and a field player in goal.
Liverpool 3, Everton 2 – 2001
This game was all kinds of crazy with 11 yellow cards and some wild swings late in the match. Liverpool was down to 10 men late in the match and holding onto a 2-1 lead when Everton was granted a penalty that allowed the Toffees to tie the match. It looked like Everton was going to steal a point from the match. But Gary McAllister took a shot on a free kick from 40 yards out when Everton goalie Paul Gerrard was expecting a cross to the other side of the box, giving the Reds a dramatic win.
Liverpool 2, Everton 1 – 2007
In some ways, this Merseyside derby was memorable for the wrong reasons. Rather than the players, one could argue that referee Mark Clattenburg stole the show. After Everton went ahead via an own goal, Clattenburg ended up giving Liverpool two penalty kicks and Everton two red cards. Of course, Phil Neville surely deserved his red card for handling the ball in the box, setting up the second penalty from Dirk Kuyt for the game-winner.
Everton 3, Liverpool 3 – 2013
In this match, the Toffees got to play the role of spoiler for Liverpool’s title hopes. Romelu Lukaku scored twice to nearly give Everton a 3-2 win. However, Daniel Sturridge found a late equalizer to prevent a loss at Goodison Park and give the Reds a draw in a thrilling Merseyside derby.
Liverpool 1, Everton 0 – 2018
This match looked destined to be a scoreless draw. However, toward the end of the match, a seemingly harmless cross gave Everton goalie Jordan Pickford trouble. The ball bounced on top of the crossbar and fell right to Divock Origi, who scored an easy winner and sent Anfield into an absolute frenzy while giving Everton one of its most heartbreaking losses in Merseyside derby history.
It was also the kind of match that was extra dramatic for anyone who placed a bet on the match. To place a wager on the next Merseyside derby or any other sporting event, there are several betting sites worth exploring. That way, you can learn more about their unique bonuses, promotions, and other factors that go into deciding the right sportsbook.
Everton 2, Liverpool 0 – 2021
The Toffees finally enjoyed a Merseyside derby victory in 2021, beating Liverpool for the first time since 2010 and winning at Anfield for the first time since 1999. Richarlison scored early and Everton added a penalty late against an ailing Liverpool squad for the 2-0 victory. Unfortunately, the Anfield stands were virtually empty amidst the pandemic. However, the win was still a breath of fresh air for the Toffees after a long stretch of Liverpool derby dominance.
