Liverpool vs Everton: Top Ten Matches in Recent Times
The Merseyside Derby is one of the most historic and fiercely contested rivalries in world football. Liverpool and Everton, separated only by Stanley Park, have shared a century-long history of drama, emotion, and unforgettable encounters. Unlike some rivalries driven purely by geography, this derby is about family divides, city pride, and footballing bragging rights. Over the past two decades, the fixture has produced a rollercoaster of thrillers, controversies, heartbreaks, and iconic moments.
Here, we revisit the top ten Liverpool vs Everton matches in recent times, celebrating the drama that keeps the Merseyside Derby one of the most watched rivalries in English football.
1. Liverpool 3–1 Everton (Premier League, October 2011) – Carroll & Suarez Sink Toffees
This clash at Anfield was memorable not just for the scoreline, but for the dominance Liverpool showed under Kenny Dalglish. Andy Carroll scored his first goal in a Merseyside derby, while Luis Suárez tormented the Everton defence. The match was symbolic of Liverpool’s attacking flair during this transitional era. Everton fought hard, but the class difference was too evident.
Key moment: Suárez’s finish in front of the Kop that sealed the win remains etched in Liverpool fans’ memories.
2. Everton 2–2 Liverpool (Premier League, October 2020) – VAR Drama and Van Dijk’s Injury
This derby became infamous for its controversial refereeing decisions. Virgil van Dijk suffered a season-ending ACL injury after Jordan Pickford’s reckless challenge, yet no penalty or red card was given. Later, Jordan Henderson thought he had scored a late Liverpool winner, but VAR ruled it offside by the narrowest of margins.
Key moment: The chaotic ending, with Liverpool denied by technology, left Jürgen Klopp fuming and fans debating VAR’s role in football.
3. Liverpool 4–0 Everton (Premier League, April 2016) – Origi and Sakho Dominate
A rampant Liverpool tore apart their neighbours in one of the most one-sided derbies in recent memory. Divock Origi, Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Sturridge, and Philippe Coutinho all got on the scoresheet. Everton looked helpless, with Ramiro Funes Mori sent off for a brutal challenge on Origi, which ended his season.
Key moment: Origi’s powerful header set the tone for a derby that quickly turned into a nightmare for Everton supporters.
4. Everton 2–0 Liverpool (Premier League, February 2021) – Toffees End Anfield Curse
After 22 years without an away win at Anfield, Everton finally broke the hoodoo. Goals from Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurðsson secured a historic win for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Liverpool, ravaged by injuries, struggled to cope with Everton’s intensity. This victory was celebrated wildly by the blue half of Merseyside.
Key moment: Richarlison’s early strike shocked Liverpool and gave Everton the belief they had lacked for decades at Anfield.
5. Liverpool 5–2 Everton (Premier League, December 2019) – Klopp’s Rotation Pays Off
Despite resting some key players, Liverpool delivered an attacking masterclass. Divock Origi once again proved his derby heroics with a brace, while Xherdan Shaqiri, Sadio Mané, and Gini Wijnaldum joined the party. Everton were humiliated, and Marco Silva’s managerial reign effectively ended with this defeat.
Key moment: Origi’s outrageous lob over Jordan Pickford showcased his big-game instincts and cemented his cult hero status among Liverpool fans.
6. Everton 3–3 Liverpool (Premier League, November 2013) – Lukaku vs Sturridge Showdown
Arguably one of the greatest Merseyside derbies in modern times, this six-goal thriller had everything. Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring, but Romelu Lukaku took center stage with a powerful brace that had Everton dreaming of victory. However, Daniel Sturridge’s late header rescued a point for Liverpool in stoppage time.
Key moment: The electric Goodison Park atmosphere after Lukaku’s second goal was spine-tingling—until Sturridge silenced the crowd with his last-gasp equalizer.
7. Liverpool 2–1 Everton (FA Cup, January 2018) – Van Dijk’s Dream Debut
Virgil van Dijk made his Liverpool debut in this FA Cup tie and instantly became a hero. After Gylfi Sigurðsson equalized James Milner’s penalty, the Dutch defender rose highest to score a late winner in front of the Kop. It was a dream start to his Liverpool career and underlined his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
Key moment: Van Dijk’s towering header that sent Anfield into raptures – an unforgettable debut moment.
8. Everton 1–1 Liverpool (Premier League, March 2019) – Title Race Stumble
In Liverpool’s thrilling 2018/19 title race with Manchester City, this derby at Goodison Park felt like a decisive moment. Mohamed Salah missed a golden chance, and Liverpool failed to find a winner. The dropped points proved costly, as Manchester City eventually won the league by just one point.
Key moment: The frustration on Klopp’s face at full-time captured the magnitude of the missed opportunity in the title chase.
9. Liverpool 1–0 Everton (Premier League, December 2018) – Origi’s 96th-Minute Winner
This is perhaps the most famous derby moment of the last decade. In stoppage time, Virgil van Dijk’s mishit shot looped onto the crossbar, and Jordan Pickford inexplicably fumbled the ball back into play. Divock Origi pounced to nod home the winner, sparking scenes of chaos as Klopp ran onto the pitch to celebrate with Alisson.
Key moment: Pickford’s blunder and Origi’s opportunism created one of the most iconic derby moments of all time.
10. Everton 3–0 Liverpool (Premier League, September 2006) – Cahill and Johnson Dominate
A throwback classic. Under David Moyes, Everton dismantled Liverpool thanks to goals from Tim Cahill and Andy Johnson. Johnson, in particular, was unstoppable, scoring twice and punishing Liverpool’s defensive errors. The win was one of Everton’s sweetest in the Premier League era and reminded Liverpool that their neighbours could still bite back.
Key moment: Andy Johnson’s second goal sealed the emphatic win and sent Goodison Park into delirium.
The Derby in Context
These matches highlight the intensity and unpredictability of the Merseyside Derby. Whether it’s late drama, controversial refereeing, individual brilliance, or emotional milestones, Liverpool vs Everton continues to deliver unforgettable moments.
For Liverpool, derbies often become platforms for cult heroes like Divock Origi, who repeatedly haunted Everton. For Everton, moments like the 2021 win at Anfield or Lukaku’s explosive performances gave fans memories to cling to amidst struggles.
Beyond the goals and drama, the derby embodies the soul of Merseyside football—where passion overrides form, and history overshadows logic.
Conclusion
The last two decades of the Merseyside Derby have been a microcosm of English football itself: unpredictable, thrilling, and full of narrative twists. While Liverpool have largely dominated, Everton’s resilience ensures the rivalry never loses its edge. From Origi’s legendary goals to VAR chaos and title race drama, these top ten matches remind us why Liverpool vs Everton remains one of football’s most compelling fixtures.
As new chapters continue to be written in the 2025/26 season, one certainty remains: when the red and blue halves of Merseyside collide, the world always takes notice.