The Merseyside derby remains one of football’s most fiercely contested rivalries, with Everton F.C. and Liverpool F.C. writing new chapters in their shared history each season. In the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, the rivalry reached new heights, with both fixtures delivering gripping storylines, dramatic goals, and moments destined for the record books.
The Lead-Up: Context and Stakes
The first Merseyside derby of the season took place at Anfield on 20 September 2025. Liverpool entered the fixture as reigning champions and had maintained a perfect league start, while Everton, rejuvenated under their new management, hovered mid-table but showed signs of improvement. For both clubs, the derby was not just about points but about regional bragging rights and pride.
Early Exchanges: Liverpool’s Fast Start
From the opening whistle, Liverpool asserted control. The squad’s recent summer signings, including Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike, stamped their authority early. Precise passing and pressing put Everton on the defensive, with Liverpool’s midfield dictating the tempo.
This dominance paid off in the 21st minute. Gravenberch finished off a swift team move to give the hosts a deserved lead. Anfield erupted, reflecting the occasion’s intensity. Just eight minutes later, Ekitike pounced on a defensive slip, slotting home Liverpool’s second with clinical precision. At this stage, the Reds appeared to be cruising.
Everton’s Response and Second-Half Drama
After the break, Everton rallied spectacularly. Idrissa Gueye fired the Toffees back into contention with a well-taken goal in the 58th minute. That strike injected fresh belief into the visiting side. For the remainder of the half, Everton pressed with urgency and intensity, putting Liverpool under sustained pressure.
Liverpool’s defence, historically prone to second-half lapses, weathered the onslaught. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker produced a vital save, and the back line scrambled clear more than once. Everton edged close to an equaliser, but their finishing lacked precision as the clock wound down.
The Final Whistle: Liverpool Prevails
Despite Everton’s late resurgence, Liverpool secured a narrow 2-1 win, maintaining their perfect start and fuelling their title ambitions. The result also extended Anfield’s unwanted record for Everton boss David Moyes, who, despite his managerial success elsewhere, has never won at the famous ground in more than two decades.
Pundits lauded Liverpool’s clinical first-half display but acknowledged the warning signs in their inability to dominate for the full 90 minutes. Everton, although disappointed, earned plaudits for their spirited fightback and for showing that the gap between the sides has narrowed.
Tactical Analysis and Player Impact
Arne Slot, in his first full season as Liverpool manager, set his side up to exploit speed down the flanks and quick transitions. Gravenberch established himself as a midfield force, linking play and dictating tempo alongside established stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.
Everton’s adjustments at half-time brought visible improvement, with Gueye anchoring the midfield and creating turnovers. Young forward Jack Gish and substitute Ndiaye injected pace, stretching Liverpool’s defence in the closing stages.
Derby in the Broader Campaign Timeline
The derby win formed part of Liverpool’s five-match winning streak at the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season, further cementing their status as early favourites for the title. Everton used their performance as momentum for the subsequent fixtures, remaining competitive in the league’s top half as autumn progressed. Both clubs looked ahead to the reverse Goodison Park encounter, set for 18 April 2026, expected to play a decisive role in the season’s climax.
The Everlasting Appeal
The history of the Merseyside derby remains rich with narratives of heartbreak, elation, and iconic moments. This season’s timeline fits squarely within that tradition: Liverpool’s precision, Everton’s resilience, and the unflagging support of both clubs’ passionate fanbases.
As another chapter closes, the legacy of Everton F.C. vs Liverpool F.C. endures—reminding UK football followers why this fixture is called The Friendly Derby yet played with unrivalled intensity.
