The Merseyside Derby is one football rivalry that ranks among the most intense and historic rivalries not just in English football, but world football. It involves Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C., two clubs separated by just a few kilometres in the heart of Liverpool, yet with a rivalry that transcends geography.
The two teams have created countless dramatic moments that continue to captivate fans ever since their first encounter in 1892. From the 2024-2025 season, Liverpool has the edge in the derby with 100 wins over Everton’s 68 in all competitive matches.
While the Merseyside Derby is viewed as a sporting competition, it goes beyond that – it serves as an emotional and cultural battlefield. This article will address the origin of this rivalry, iconic moments that defined the Merseyside Derby, and examine what makes it uniquely special, unlike any other in the world of football.
The Origins of the Merseyside Rivalry
The social and economic factors of Liverpool’s industrial history drove the Merseyside Derby’s roots. Its origins can be traced to 1892, when Everton F.C. left Anfield due to a dispute with the club’s owner, John Houlding. Everton then relocated across Stanley Park to Goodison Park, establishing a geographical divide that persists to this day. From this point on, the Mersey derby history became the centrepiece of Liverpool’s football story.
Everton was the city’s most prominent football club during the sport’s infancy on Merseyside. However, the rapid gain of Liverpool prominence after their founding in 1892 turned the derby into a competitive fixture. By the 1960s, Liverpool was well entrenched as a powerhouse of English football, and Bill Shankly’s men were reaching new heights. Everton attained success too, but more often than not, found themselves cast in their rival’s shadow, fueling the rivalry’s animosity.
The earliest games in this rivalry were particularly tough, but the Merseyside Derby escalated even further in the 1980s. Everton was particularly successful in the 1980s, boasting two league titles, an FA Cup, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup, while Liverpool dominated English and European Football. During this era, the games attracted more interest than just locals, as people from across the nation and the world tuned in.
Intensity was taken to a whole different level during the 1980s with the infamous encounter of the two rivals in the 1984 FA Cup battle, where Liverpool won 1-0 after a nail-biting and very brutal game. In the 21st century, Everton strives to be on top of English football again as Liverpool remains dominant internationally and domestically, which makes for an interesting rivalry.
If the Liverpool F.C. vs Everton F.C. timeline is of interest to you, it is quite a glimpse into how Merseyside Derby history has transformed over the years. The central components of the English football calendar encompass everything from Liverpool’s years of supremacy during the 70s and 80s to the recent scrambles during Premier League seasons.
Iconic Moments That Defined the Derby
During the numerous years of the Merseyside Derby, there have been many iconic moments that stand and will probably always stand the test of time. One moment that remains fresh in everyone’s minds is the FA Cup semifinal held at Hillsborough. In this match, the Liverpool team advanced through with a glorious 3-1 victory against Everton, a match that surely had tons of expected drama and a Liverpool win gladly.
Another moment to note, other than that match, would include 2001, where the two teams played in the FA Cup against Liverpool, winning 3-2 after being behind. This match showcased many individual performances that were arguably amazing, and historically speaking, Gary McAllister netted in what Liverpool fans honoured as the winning goal, but for him, it wasn’t, as they exclaimed it was his goal where he netted during the derby and that undoubtedly solidified his legacy.
Slot, who has a reputation for his cunning football mind, as well as his attacking brand of football, has been attempting to work his philosophy into the squad. His first encounter with Everton showed marked changes for Liverpool, as they blended Klopp’s bold defending with Slot’s elaborate possession strategies.
In April 2025, one of Arne Slot’s early notable moments as Liverpool manager came with a 1-0 win over Everton at Anfield. The match, decided by a second-half goal from Diogo Jota, was a tightly contested affair that highlighted Slot’s emerging tactical approach, built on controlled possession and intelligent pressing.
While the scoreline was narrow, Liverpool dominated much of the game, and the performance reflected a steady transition from the high-octane style under Jürgen Klopp to a more structured, methodical rhythm. Mohamed Salah remained a key threat on the right, while Dominik Szoboszlai—already an established figure by then—continued to show his versatility in midfield, although he did not score in this fixture.
As important as goals can be, there is much more that goes into making a match unforgettable. An unforgettable atmosphere is always created by fans from both sides and is most evident during iconic moments of the derby.
This includes unforgettable controversial moments of refereeing negligence, on-field confrontations, and other passionate events. In terms of emotionally-charged sporting moments, the Merseyside Derby never fails to deliver, whether it’s red cards, last-gasp equalisers, or other English football defining moments. Incredible tales such as these, where the spirited atmosphere magnifies the already dramatic sports on the field, span across the entire timeline of the Merseyside Derby.
More than just a Game
The Merseyside Derby is more than just a football game; it’s a vibrant display of regional pride, a timeless rivalry, and an important date in the sporting calendar. Its iconic events, coupled with extraordinary features, will ensure that it remains one of the most thrilling rivalries across the globe for many years to come.
Whether it’s Liverpool securing a hefty win, Everton pulling off an upset, or a dramatic last-minute goal, the Merseyside Derby has had, sustained and continuously added to the wealth of its iconic history while captivating its audience.
