A look back at some of the best Merseyside derbies between Liverpool and Everton…
Liverpool’s 224th Merseyside derby against Everton will take on extra significance today, with Steven Gerrard playing in his final game against our local rivals.
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Our inspirational captain will be attempting to guide us closer to the top four with victory at Goodison Park, while Daniel Sturridge’s first start in five months provides the game’s other most notable sub-plot.
All the signs are pointing towards this one being an absolute classic, but how will it compare to these famous Liverpool victories? Below, we countdown the five most memorable derby wins from the last 20 years:
5) Liverpool 3-2 Everton – 3rd April 1999
This game is perhaps best remembered for Robbie Fowler’s controversial goal celebration. Olivier Dacourt had given Everton the lead within the first minute at Anfield, before Fowler drew the Reds level from the penalty spot.
Fowler put the Reds ahead with a close ranger header after latching on to Steve McManaman’s clever flick-on, before Patrick Berger seemingly made the game safe. There was still time for Francis Jeffers to pull one back, but it proved nothing more than a consolation.
4) Everton 2-3 Liverpool – 16th April 2001
Gary McAllister’s 40-yard winner provided a wonderful game with the most spectacular of winning goals, sealing the midfielder’s place in Anfield folk lore.
Everton had twice come from behind earlier in the day, with Duncan Ferguson cancelling out Emile Heskey’s opener, before David Unsworth’s penalty followed on from Markus Babbel’s second-half strike.
3) Liverpool 3-1 Everton – 25th March 2006
Liverpool held out for a famous victory at Anfield, despite having captain Steven Gerrard sent-off after just 18 minutes. Phil Neville’s own goal put us ahead before Luis Garcia’s sublime lob doubled the advantage.
Tim Cahill pulled one back and suddenly the momentum was with the visitors, who were beginning to make their man advantage tell. However, Andy van der Meyde’s red card left them on the back foot and Harry Kewell sealed the win.
2) Everton 1-2 Liverpool – 20th October 2007
Liverpool came from behind to earn a crucial win at Goodison Park. The Reds had been behind early when Sami Hyypia’s own goal put the visitors in front after just four minutes, but we were not to be denied all three points.
Dirk Kuyt pulled us level from the penalty spot, after Tony Hibbert had fouled Steven Gerrard, before he repeated the trick late on, after Phil Neville had handled Lucas Leiva’s long-range shot at goal.
1) Liverpool 3-0 Everton – 13th March 2012
This game was all about captain fantastic – Steven Gerrard, who was making his 400th Premier League appearance. He was at the heart of a wonderful team performance, as he we truly dismantled the hapless Blues.
He chipped his first goal over Tim Howard before smashing home a second from close range after good work from Luis Suarez. The hat-trick came late on, after another impressive link-up with Uruguayan, making him the first Reds player since Ian Rush in 1982 to bag a treble against Everton.
