The best Merseyside derbies ever

Local rivalries don't come much bigger than the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton.

Despite having been labelled the 'friendly derby' in the past, there is nothing cordial about this famous fixture. It's a game that dates all the way back to 1894 and is just as fiercely contested now as it was well over a century ago.

Luckily, we normally get to see two Merseyside derbies a season. While recent history favours the Reds, this clash has not always been so one-sided.

Here are just some of the best Merseyside derbies ever played.

Liverpool 7-4 Everton - 1933

Not an encounter too many people alive today will remember, but it's still well worth reliving an incredible 11-goal Merseyside derby back in 1933.

Liverpool's Harold Barton was the hero on a memorable afternoon at Anfield, scoring a hat-trick to accompany goals from Alf Hanson, Tom Morrison, Harold Taylor and Syd Roberts.

Despite the Toffees taking the lead through the lethal Dixie Dean, who would grab a second later in the match, the Reds recovered emphatically to put seven past their local rivals.

Liverpool 0-4 Everton - 1964

Liverpool haven't had it all their own way in Merseyside derbies despite recent history, with Everton pumping four unanswered goals past Bill Shankly's Reds at Anfield back in 1964.

Harry Catterick's side made the dream start, taking the lead after just a minute through Derek Temple. Frederick Pickering and Colin Harvey gave Everton a commanding three-goal lead at half-time, with Johnny Morrissey capping a big win with a fourth in the second half.

It remains the only time Everton have scored four against Liverpool in the post-war era.

Liverpool 3-1 Everton - 1986

Back in the 1980s, there was no bigger occasion than the FA Cup final. So, when Liverpool faced Everton in the final of the competition in '86, it was a big deal, especially given the standing of both clubs during that period.

Both sides were considered two of the best teams in the country, with Liverpool having just pipped Everton to the league title. A chance for redemption was missed by the Toffees, however, with the blue half of Merseyside suffering another defeat at the hands of the Reds.

Despite Gary Lineker giving Everton a first-half lead, a goal from Craig Johnston was sandwiched between an Ian Rush brace, with Liverpool lifting the FA Cup for a third time. Everton lost the final the year before as well, at the hands of Manchester United on that occasion.

Liverpool 3-2 Everton - 1989

Played just five weeks after the Hillsborough disaster in which 97 Liverpool fans lost their lives, this was a Merseyside derby that brought the city together. It was a game fuelled by devastation and anguish, reminding everyone that some things are far more important than football.

Against a mournful backdrop, Liverpool would go on to win another FA Cup final between the sides by beating Everton 3-2.

A late Stuart McCall goal cancelled out John Aldridge's fourth-minute opener, setting up extra-time. McCall scored again, but another Rush brace saw Liverpool claim the trophy, adding to an impressive and growing silverware cabinet.

Everton 4-4 Liverpool - 1991

The FA Cup has really served up some classics between Liverpool and Everton, with 1991 proving no different. The two Merseyside clubs had been drawn against one another in the fifth round at Goodison Park, playing out an eight-goal thriller.

Despite taking the lead on four separate occasions, including in extra time through John Barnes, Everton would manage to secure a spectacular 4-4 draw with the Reds to force a replay.

Everton's heroics paid off, beating Liverpool 1-0 in the rematch thanks to an early goal from David Watson. However, West Ham United would knock the Toffees out in the next round.

The 4-4 draw turned out to be Kenny Dalglish's final game in charge of the Reds until he returned to the club in 2011.

Everton 3-3 Liverpool - 2013

Romelu Lukaku was the star of the show for Everton during their 3-3 draw with Liverpool back in the 2013/14 season, taking a significant two points off Liverpool in their title charge.

It could have been worse for Brendan Rodgers' side had Daniel Sturridge not popped up with a late header to cancel out Lukaku's second-half brace. The forward's 89th-minute strike denied Everton a rare Merseyside derby win in the Premier League era.

Three goals in the first 19 minutes had set things up nicely and the closing stages didn't disappoint.

Liverpool 1-0 Everton - 2018

One of the most remarkable finishes ever in a Premier League match occurred in the Merseyside derby back in 2018. The game was goalless heading into the final seconds at Anfield, with Liverpool unable to break down a resolute Everton backline.

One long pump forward by Trent Alexander-Arnold was cleared to the feet of Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutchman slicing a terrible volley high into the air. However, what looked like a routine catch for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford turned out to be surprisingly problematic, the England stopper juggling the ball on to the crossbar and Divock Origi turning into an empty net from the rebound.

Anfield erupted, as did Jurgen Klopp who sprinted across the Liverpool pitch to hug Alisson in a moment of pure jubilation. It was a heartbreaking end to proceedings for the visiting side, but for Liverpool it was ecstasy.

Liverpool 0-2 Everton - 2021

Having seen the imperious Van Dijk handed a season-ending injury by Pickford in the reverse fixture earlier in the 2020/21 season, Liverpool's title defence was in tatters when they welcomed Everton to Anfield in February.

The Reds had lost three games on the bounce, partly due to a centre-back injury crisis, but Everton took full advantage. The Toffees hadn't tasted victory at Anfield since 1999 or in any Merseyside derby since 2010 but managed to break the curse with a 2-0 victory.

An early goal from Richarlison and a late penalty put a woeful Liverpool to the sword, with the Reds going on to lose six straight home games, scoring just once in the process. Somehow, Klopp still managed to guide his side to a third-placed Premier League finish.

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP