The Merseyside Derby, contested by Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C., is one of world football’s most iconic, historic, and emotionally charged rivalries. Liverpool vs Everton rivalry, roaring across Liverpool since the late 19th century, has delivered unforgettable moments, controversies, and stories that transcend mere sport. It defines the footballing soul of the city, splitting families and friends, but also uniting Liverpool in its passion for the beautiful game.
How the Rivalry Began: Foundation and First Clashes
Liverpool vs Everton rivalry dates back to 1892, when a dispute within Everton led to the founding of Liverpool F.C. after Everton left Anfield over a rent disagreement. The first ever Merseyside Derby took place on October 13, 1894, with Everton defeating Liverpool 3-0 at Goodison Park before a crowd of 10,000. Early on, Everton was the more successful club, enjoying strong results in the pre-war years.
Timeline of Key Moments and Matches
- 1894: First official Merseyside Derby, Everton 3-0 Liverpool at Goodison.
- 1920s – 1930s: Legends like Dixie Dean lit up the fixture, with Everton’s 1931 title win sealed by derby goals.
- 1960s – 1980s: Dominated by both clubs, as Liverpool and Everton became England’s powerhouses; Goodison and Anfield saw victories with thousands in attendance.
- 1999: Everton’s last league win at Anfield before a decades-long drought.
- 2000s: Iconic encounters, red cards, and dramatic finishes; Liverpool often in the ascendancy, but Everton pulls off famous draws and shocking wins.
- 2012: Liverpool’s 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win at Wembley, highlighted by Andy Carroll’s late winner.
- 2018: Divock Origi’s injury-time heroics for Liverpool at Anfield ignite scenes of jubilation.
- 2021-22: Liverpool thump Everton 4-1 at Goodison, their biggest win at Everton’s ground since 1982, and complete the double with a 2-0 win at Anfield.
- 2023-24: Everton claim a famous 2-0 home win, their first derby victory at Goodison in 14 years, reigniting fans’ pride and impacting the league’s title race and relegation battle.
- 2025 Derby: Liverpool continue to edge the head-to-head, securing a 2-1 away win with goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, confirming their recent superiority.
Stats and Honours: Head-To-Head and Records
- Longest Liverpool unbeaten derby run: 23 home games (1999-2018)
- Everton’s biggest victory: 7-4 (1898)
- Liverpool’s record win: 6-0 (1930)
- High drama: The fixture is the Premier League’s most “red-carded”
Matchday Atmosphere and Culture
A Merseyside Derby is unlike any other: the walk between Anfield and Goodison Park—less than a mile—echoes with rivalry but also mutual respect. Families often have supporters of both clubs, making derby day a tense but communal occasion. The matches are famous for their intensity, pulsating football, and passionate support. Attendances regularly breach 50,000, with a post-war record of 58,771 set in 1949.
Famous Players and Derby Legends
- Everton: Dixie Dean, Alan Ball, Graeme Sharp, Neville Southall, and more have become hero figures for the blue half.
- Liverpool: Steven Gerrard, Ian Rush (the derby’s top scorer), Kenny Dalglish, Mohamed Salah, and Divock Origi have all steered Liverpool to memorable derby moments.
Notably, several players (such as Nick Barmby, Peter Beardsley) have played for both clubs, adding another layer of intrigue to the rivalry.
The Modern Rivalry: Recent Encounters
The last decade has seen Liverpool largely dominate, winning 60% of all derbies since 1970 and most Premier League meetings. However, Everton’s rare victories are particularly celebrated, such as their 2-0 triumph in April 2024, which altered the league narrative for both clubs. Recent statistics highlight fiercely contested games, high yellow card counts (5.6 per game), and unpredictable results.
Salah and McNeil represent modern attacking threats, while matches often swing on tactical duels, individual brilliance, or disciplinary flashpoints. Anfield remains a fortress for Liverpool, with Everton winning just one Premier League game there since 1999.
