Goodison Park, one of football’s most historic grounds, is set to host its final league Merseyside derby. Everton’s home has been the stage for countless iconic clashes with Liverpool, the first of which dates back 130 years to October 1894, when Everton triumphed 3-0. With the club preparing to relocate to a new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock next season, the upcoming game is a poignant moment. Over the years, Goodison has witnessed 119 derbies, with each club securing 41 victories. Here’s a look at six memorable encounters that have defined the rivalry at this storied venue.
In March 1967, the atmosphere in the city reached fever pitch as Everton and Liverpool met in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The season had begun with the Charity Shield at Goodison, where local pride was displayed as players paraded trophies and the World Cup. Demand for tickets was unprecedented, prompting Liverpool to broadcast the game live on giant screens at Anfield for fans unable to attend. With over 100,000 people watching across both grounds, the match culminated in Alan Ball scoring the decisive goal, further endearing himself to Everton supporters.
November 1982 marked one of Everton’s most painful memories, as Liverpool delivered a devastating 5-0 victory at Goodison. Ian Rush was the architect of their misery, scoring four goals in a performance that still resonates in Liverpool folklore. Everton, already struggling, were dealt a further blow when Glenn Keeley, making his debut, was sent off for a foul on Kenny Dalglish. This dismissal paved the way for Liverpool’s dominance, with Rush exploiting the defensive frailties. The aftermath was equally sobering for Everton, as their goalkeeper Neville Southall was loaned out to regain his confidence.
The derby in May 1989 holds a special place in the hearts of both sets of fans. Just weeks after the Hillsborough disaster, the match at Goodison transcended football, becoming a symbol of unity and resilience. Fans from both clubs came together in an emotional tribute, with intertwined blue and red scarves carried around the pitch to honor the 95 lives lost. The raw emotion of the night underscored the unique bond between Everton and Liverpool in a time of profound grief, reminding the city of the role football plays in healing.
Another unforgettable clash occurred in February 1991, when Everton and Liverpool faced off in an FA Cup replay. The match ended 4-4 after extra time, with Everton equalizing four times to deny their rivals victory. Tony Cottee was instrumental, scoring twice, including a late goal that forced the game into extra time. The draw proved a turning point for Liverpool, as Kenny Dalglish resigned as manager days later, citing the strain of leading the club through the Hillsborough tragedy. Everton eventually won the second replay, adding to the tie’s dramatic legacy.
In April 2001, Liverpool broke an 11-year winless streak at Goodison in spectacular fashion, thanks to a last-minute free-kick by Gary McAllister. With the game tied at 2-2 and Liverpool reduced to ten men, McAllister seized the opportunity to deliver a stunning 40-yard strike that caught Everton’s goalkeeper off guard. The victory proved pivotal, as Liverpool went on to secure Champions League qualification and win a treble of cup competitions that season.
The most recent derby in April 2024 offered Evertonians a rare moment of triumph. After 14 years without a Goodison victory against their rivals, Everton overcame the odds to defeat a title-challenging Liverpool side. Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, coupled with an intense, determined team performance, secured a memorable 2-0 win. The result sparked euphoric celebrations among Everton fans, who turned Goodison into a fortress one final time.
As Goodison Park prepares to bid farewell to this iconic fixture, its legacy as the stage for moments of triumph, heartbreak, and unity will endure. From Alan Ball’s heroics to McAllister’s audacious strike, the historic ground has provided the setting for memories that will live long in football folklore.
