Few rivalries in world football carry the intensity, history, and emotional weight of the Merseyside Derby. The clash between Liverpool FC and Everton FC is the longest-running top-flight derby in England. With a history stretching back over a century. Unlike many city derbies defined by geographical or class divides. This one is unique—families, friends, and even neighbors are often split in their loyalties. But while the rivalry is fierce on the pitch, Merseyside derbies have historically been known as the “friendly derby”, with Reds and Blues living side by side across Liverpool.
The origins of the Merseyside Derby can be traced back to 1892. When a bitter dispute led to the formation of Liverpool FC. Everton had been the original tenants of Anfield. But after disagreements with club chairman John Houlding over rent and ownership, the Toffees moved to Goodison Park. Left without a team, Houlding founded Liverpool FC, setting the stage for a rivalry that would dominate the city for over a century. Their first official meeting came in 1894. With Everton winning 3-0, but the battle for supremacy in Liverpool was only just beginning.
In the early years of the rivalry, Everton was the more successful club. Winning multiple league titles before Liverpool truly found their footing. However, the tide turned in the 1960s and 1970s. As Bill Shankly and later Bob Paisley transformed Liverpool into a European powerhouse. The Reds dominated English and European football, collecting league titles and European Cups, while Everton struggled to keep pace. That changed in the 1980s, when under Howard Kendall, Everton enjoyed their golden era, winning two league titles and an FA Cup, briefly shifting power back to the blue half of Merseyside.
The rivalry took a tragic turn in 1985, when English clubs were banned from European competition following the Heysel Stadium disaster. Where 39 Juventus fans lost their lives due to crowd trouble involving Liverpool supporters. Everton, who had just won the league and were favorites for European glory, were suddenly denied the chance to compete in the European Cup. Many Evertonians still believe this moment changed the trajectory of their club, while Liverpool continued their domestic dominance. The sense of injustice further fueled tensions between the two sets of supporters.
The Merseyside Derby has produced some of the most dramatic and controversial moments in English football. From Kevin Ratcliffe’s crunching tackles in the 1980s to Steven Gerrard’s dominant displays. The fixture has seen legends cement their legacies. The game also holds the record for the most red cards in Premier League history. With names like Duncan Ferguson, Steven Gerrard, and Sadio Mané all playing their part in fiery encounters. Whether it’s last-minute goals, questionable refereeing decisions, or all-out brawls, this derby never disappoints.
Unlike many city derbies that take place in neutral venues or shared stadiums, the Merseyside Derby has always been contested at two of English football’s most historic grounds. Goodison Park and Anfield. Goodison, with its tight pitch and passionate home crowd, has long been a fortress for Everton. While Anfield, famous for its You’ll Never Walk Alone anthem, creates an electrifying atmosphere that few teams can withstand. Each stadium brings a unique flavor to the rivalry, adding another layer of intensity to every meeting.
In recent years, Liverpool has reasserted its dominance. Winning the Premier League, Champions League, and multiple domestic trophies under Jürgen Klopp. Meanwhile, Everton has struggled to keep pace, enduring managerial changes and inconsistent performances. However, moments of Evertonian pride remain—like their 2-0 win at Anfield in 2021, their first victory there since 1999. Despite Liverpool’s current superiority, Everton’s resilience ensures that every derby remains unpredictable and fiercely contested.
The Merseyside Derby stands apart from other football rivalries because of its deeply personal yet strangely unifying nature. Unlike other derbies, which are often divided by geography, politics, or social class. Liverpool and Everton fans live, work, and even share families together. It’s not uncommon to see households split between red and blue, with brothers, parents, and children supporting opposite teams. This unique blend of intense competition and mutual respect has led to the derby being nicknamed the “friendly derby”. Even though the battles on the pitch are anything but friendly.
Another defining aspect of this rivalry is its longevity and consistency. The Merseyside Derby is the longest-running top-flight derby in England, with Liverpool and Everton having played each other in every season since 1962-63. Other major rivalries, such as the Manchester Derby or the North London Derby, have had gaps where one team wasn’t in the top division, but in Liverpool, the battle for supremacy has never taken a break. This sustained competition has led to countless historic moments, legendary performances, and unforgettable controversies, adding layers to an already rich footballing history.
Perhaps the most touching element of this rivalry is its sense of solidarity during moments of tragedy. Despite the fierce competition, Everton and Liverpool fans have repeatedly come together in times of hardship. The Hillsborough disaster in 1989, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans, was met with incredible support from the Everton community, with Goodison Park displaying banners and tributes in honor of the victims. Moments like these show that while the Merseyside Derby is one of the fiercest in football, it is also one of the most deeply rooted in shared history, identity, and community spirit.
With over a century of history, the Merseyside Derby has produced countless unforgettable encounters, filled with drama, controversy, and legendary performances. From last-minute winners to record-breaking scorelines, this fixture has consistently delivered some of the most thrilling moments in English football history. Here are four of the most iconic matches between Liverpool and Everton.
One of the most famous Merseyside Derbies of all time came in the FA Cup Fifth Round replay in 1991, a game that would ultimately end Kenny Dalglish’s first reign as Liverpool manager. The match was a rollercoaster, with Liverpool leading four times and Everton equalizing on each occasion. Goals from Peter Beardsley, Ian Rush, and John Barnes were matched by Everton’s relentless spirit, with Tony Cottee scoring twice to keep the Toffees alive. The pulsating 4-4 draw was one of the best FA Cup matches ever played, but the relentless pressure of managing Liverpool took its toll on Dalglish, who resigned just days later, marking the end of an era for the club.
In the 1970 Merseyside Derby, Everton looked set for a comfortable victory at Anfield, leading 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Alan Whittle and Joe Royle. But what followed was one of Liverpool’s greatest ever comebacks. In a span of just five minutes, the Reds scored three goals to completely turn the game around. Steve Heighway, John Toshack, and Chris Lawler found the net in quick succession, stunning Everton and sending the Kop into raptures. This dramatic fightback became a defining moment in Liverpool’s rise under Bill Shankly, setting the stage for their dominance in the years that followed.
Few players embodied the Merseyside Derby like Duncan Ferguson, and his performance in the 1999 clash at Goodison Park cemented his status as an Everton legend. In a tense and hard-fought match, Big Dunc rose highest to head home a 90th-minute winner, sending Goodison Park into bedlam. The goal not only secured bragging rights for Everton but also ended Liverpool’s 15-game unbeaten run in the derby. Ferguson’s passion and physical dominance made him one of the most feared players in derby history, and this match remains one of the defining moments of his career.
The 2019 edition of the Merseyside Derby showcased Liverpool’s dominance under Jürgen Klopp in full force. Despite resting key players like Mohamed Salah, Liverpool destroyed Everton 5-2 in a thrilling attacking display at Anfield. Divock Origi, Sadio Mané, and Xherdan Shaqiri all found the net, highlighting the Reds’ strength in depth. The result left Everton in turmoil and led to the sacking of Marco Silva, marking yet another chapter where Liverpool’s superiority resulted in managerial casualties for the Toffees. This match was a reminder that while Everton still fights for local pride, Liverpool’s European ambitions often dictate the wider story.
From legendary comebacks to last-minute heartbreaks, the Merseyside Derby has never failed to deliver. With both clubs carrying rich histories and passionate fanbases, this rivalry will continue to create iconic moments for generations to come.
The Merseyside Derby remains one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in English football, and experiencing it live is a bucket-list moment for any football fan. Whether the game is played at Anfield or Goodison Park, the atmosphere is electric, with both sets of supporters creating a cauldron of noise from the opening whistle. Liverpool’s Kop erupts with chants of You’ll Never Walk Alone, while Everton’s Gwladys Street End roars in defiance, making for an unforgettable matchday experience. Unlike many modern rivalries, where home and away fans are kept far apart, the Merseyside Derby often features a mix of red and blue in the stands, a reflection of how deeply intertwined these two clubs are in the city.
For those unable to get a ticket, Liverpool’s sports bars and pubs offer the next best thing. The Sandon, the birthplace of Liverpool FC, is packed with Reds fans, while The Winslow Hotel, located right next to Goodison Park, is an Evertonian stronghold. Neutral spots like The Ship & Mitre provide an incredible derby atmosphere, where fans from both sides can argue, celebrate, and suffer together over a pint. Whether you’re inside the stadium or watching from a local pub, the Merseyside Derby is a city-wide event that brings Liverpool to a standstill.
Despite Liverpool’s recent dominance, the derby remains unpredictable, with Everton always looking for an upset and Liverpool aiming to reinforce their superiority. Red cards, controversial refereeing decisions, and last-minute drama are almost guaranteed. No matter the outcome, one thing is certain. When Liverpool and Everton face off, the city of Liverpool stops, the noise is deafening, and football takes center stage.
Experiencing the Merseyside Derby is a dream for any football fan. But a trip to Liverpool offers so much more than just 90 minutes of intense rivalry. From legendary stadium tours at Anfield and Goodison Park to exploring the city’s deep-rooted football culture. There’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in Liverpool’s soccer heritage. Whether you’re walking through the halls where Bill Shankly and Dixie Dean became icons. Or visiting historic football pubs like The Sandon and The Winslow Hotel, Liverpool is a city built on football passion.
To make the most of your trip, check out The Ultimate Liverpool Soccer Travel Guide. There you’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect football getaway. From the best places to stay near the stadiums to the top spots for watching a matchday unfold. This guide ensures you experience Liverpool like a true football fan. Whether you’re in town for a derby or just soaking in the city’s football culture, one thing is certain. Liverpool is a city where football isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life.
Ultimate Soccer Travel Guides provide essential tips for football fans. Discover iconic stadiums, vibrant bars, and must-see attractions in top cities worldwide. Perfect for planning unforgettable soccer-themed trips.
Few football clubs command as much global admiration as Manchester United. From the roaring crowds at Old Trafford to the deep-rooted traditions that define the club, visiting Manchester United is more than just a trip—it’s a pilgrimage for football lovers. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or just looking to soak in the magic of one of the world’s most successful clubs, this guide will take you through everything you need to know to experience Manchester United like never before.
Liverpool, a city synonymous with music, culture, and world-class football, is a must-visit destination for soccer fans. Home to two iconic clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton FC, the city offers thrilling matchday experiences at Anfield and Goodison Park. For fans traveling on a budget, Liverpool has a variety of affordable accommodations close to the stadiums and city center.
Liverpool’s City Centre is the vibrant core of a city that breathes football. While Anfield and Goodison Park may be a few miles away, the City Centre is where the football culture thrives every day.
