Everton vs Liverpool: How the Merseyside Derby Was Shaped

Tonight’s Merseyside Derby is more than just another clash between Everton vs Liverpool: it’s the last-ever meeting at Goodison Park before Everton moves to their new stadium. This fixture has seen over 130 years of battles, historic moments, and drama. As we approach the kickoff, let’s dive into how this legendary rivalry was born and how it became one of football’s most passionate and unique matchups.

A Rivalry Born from Division: Everton vs Liverpool

The Merseyside Derby is one of the most historic and emotionally charged rivalries in football. Unlike many other intense derbies across Europe, this one isn’t built on politics, class struggles, or religious differences. Instead, it all started due to a split within the same club.

In 1892, Everton was the original club playing at Anfield, but a discussion over ownership and rent between the club and John Houlding (the stadium owner), led to a dramatic fallout. Everton left Anfield and moved to Goodison Park, while Houlding was left with an empty stadium. Instead of backing down, he founded a new club named Liverpool FC.

That decision started a rivalry that has lasted over 130 years, making Everton vs Liverpool one of the most fascinating and unique matchups in world football.

The Start of a “Friendly” Rivalry: Everton vs Liverpool

The first official meeting between the two clubs took place in 1894, with Everton winning 3-0 at Goodison Park. While the rivalry was intense, what made it different from other fierce matchups like El Clásico or the North London Derby was the sense of unity among the fans from the city.

For decades, it was common to see families divided between Everton and Liverpool, with supporters sitting together in the stands. The derby got the nickname “The Friendly Derby”, but don’t get us wrong: on the pitch, the battles were anything but friendly.

During the 1960s and 70s, both clubs became major forces in English football, strengthening the rivalry. Everton won the league title in 1963, while Liverpool, under manager Bill Shankly, began building their legacy. The Merseyside Derby was no longer just about local pride, it was about silverware.

The Peak of the Rivalry: The 1980s

The 1980s were a golden era for both Everton and Liverpool, and their derby games became legendary. At the time, they were the two best teams in England, and their matches often had a direct impact on the title race.

From 1984 to 1987, either Everton or Liverpool won the league title every season. The atmosphere was electric, with Anfield and Goodison Park regularly packed to the brim for these showdowns.

Everton’s Dominance (Mid-80s)

Under Howard Kendall, Everton built one of the best teams in their history, winning two league titles, the FA Cup, and the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1985. They were Liverpool’s biggest threat and their derby wins in this period were some of their sweetest for Everton fans.

Hillsborough and Unity in Tragedy

In 1989, the football world was shaken by the Hillsborough Disaster, which tragically took the lives of 97 Liverpool supporters. While rivalries can divide, this moment showed the true spirit of Merseyside.

Everton and Liverpool fans stood shoulder to shoulder in mourning, with Goodison Park playing a key role in hosting tributes. Evertonians displayed banners with “Merseyside United”, showing that while football creates rivalries, some things are bigger than the game.

This period reinforced the unique nature of the Merseyside Derby: it is fierce, but at its heart, it is built on mutual respect from and to people in Liverpool.

Modern-Day Battles and Changing Styles

As football evolved, so did the style of the Merseyside Derby. What was once a battle of hard tackles and physical dominance has become a test of tactical adaptability.

• Liverpool, under managers like Rafa Benítez and Jürgen Klopp and now Arne Slot adopted an intense pressing style, winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup in recent years.
• Everton, under Carlo Ancelotti, Sean Dyche and now David Moyes back at the wheel, have had to rebuild while trying to reclaim their competitive edge.

However, one thing has stayed the same: the passion of the fans and the high emotions whenever these two teams meet.

The Last Dance at Goodison Park

Tonight’s game is historic for another reason: it will be the final Merseyside Derby played at Goodison Park before Everton moves to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

Since 1892, Goodison Park has been the battleground for some of the greatest moments in this rivalry. With Liverpool leading the all-time head-to-head, Everton will be desperate to leave their historic ground with a famous victory.

Final Thoughts: Everton vs Liverpool Rivalry

The Merseyside Derby is special. It’s a match filled with passion, history, and unforgettable moments. Unlike many football rivalries, it’s not just about who wins: it’s about the legacy of two clubs that have shaped English football for over a century.

With Goodison Park saying goodbye, tonight’s game is more than just another chapter in the rivalry: it’s history in the making. With players like Jordan Pickford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin keen for a Everton victory, while at Liverpool, players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will give everything to beat their rivals one last time at Goodison Park.

Who do you think will win tonight between Everton vs Liverpool? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on Instagram!