Liverpool vs Everton: The Merseyside Derby

The Merseyside Derby, the fixture between Liverpool and Everton, is one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in English football. The two teams have a long and storied history, with the rivalry stretching back over 100 years. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Merseyside Derby, the key moments, and the players who have defined the fixture.

The History of the Merseyside Derby

The first Merseyside Derby took place on October 13, 1894, at Anfield, Liverpool's home ground. The match was part of the second division of the Football League, and Liverpool won the game 3-0. The rivalry between the two teams quickly developed, with Everton winning the next two encounters.

The first FA Cup meeting between the two teams took place in 1905, with Everton winning the tie 2-1. However, it was in the 1960s and 70s that the Merseyside Derby began to capture the imagination of football fans worldwide.

During this period, both teams were among the best in English football, and the rivalry became intense. In the 1960s, Liverpool won their first-ever league title, while Everton won the FA Cup in 1966. The 1970s saw Liverpool win four league titles and two European Cups, while Everton won two league titles, an FA Cup, and a European Cup Winners' Cup.

The rivalry between the two teams reached its peak in the 1980s when Liverpool and Everton were the dominant forces in English football. Liverpool won six league titles, two European Cups, and three FA Cups, while Everton won two league titles, an FA Cup, and a European Cup Winners' Cup.

Key Moments

There have been several key moments in the Merseyside Derby that have defined the rivalry over the years. Here are some of the most significant moments:

1. The "friendly derby" - In the 1950s and 60s, the Merseyside Derby was known as the "friendly derby" due to the good-natured rivalry between the two sets of fans. The nickname has since fallen out of use, and the rivalry is now one of the most intense in world football.

2. The 1967 FA Cup semi-final - The 1967 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Everton was the first Merseyside Derby to be played at a neutral venue. The match, which took place at Goodison Park, saw Everton win 1-0.

3. The 1986 FA Cup final - The 1986 FA Cup final between Liverpool and Everton was the first-ever Merseyside Derby to be played at Wembley. The match was a tense and closely contested affair, with Liverpool winning 3-1.

4. The 1989 Hillsborough disaster - The 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, which took place at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, was marred by a tragedy that claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans. The disaster had a profound impact on the Merseyside Derby, with the rivalry taking on a new significance as a symbol of the city's resilience.

5. The 2018-19 Premier League season - The 2018-19 Premier League season saw Liverpool and Everton play out two thrilling Merseyside Derbies. The first match, which took place at Anfield, saw Liverpool score a dramatic last-minute winner to win 1-0. The second match, which took place at Goodison Park, ended in a 0-0 draw after Everton's Jordan Pickford made a stunning save to deny Liverpool's Divock Origi.