Walk down County Road on a matchday and you'll feel it. That specific, heavy static in the air. People call it the "Friendly Derby," but honestly, if you've ever been squeezed into the Bullens Road stand when the Reds are in town, you know that’s a bit of a myth. Or at least, it hasn’t been true for about forty years.
Everton f.c. vs Liverpool isn't just a game; it’s a family argument that’s been going on since 1894. It started because of a rent dispute—literally a row over money at Anfield—and it’s been chaotic ever since.
The Goodison Farewell: A Night That Refused to End
We have to talk about February 12, 2025. It was the final Merseyside derby ever at Goodison Park. The "Grand Old Lady" was shaking. Everyone expected Liverpool to just stroll in and ruin the party, especially with Arne Slot’s side chasing the title.
Beto scored early. The place went mental. But then, as they always do, Liverpool clawed back. Alexis Mac Allister and then Mohamed Salah—who seemingly exists just to break Evertonian hearts—put the Reds 2-1 up. It felt like the same old story. Then came the 98th minute.
James Tarkowski. A volley that shouldn't have been possible for a center-back.
The ball hit the roof of the net, and I’m pretty sure they heard the roar in North Wales. It finished 2-2, followed by a total meltdown. Four red cards after the final whistle, including Arne Slot himself and Abdoulaye Doucouré. It was the most "derby" way to say goodbye to a stadium in history.
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Why the "Friendly" Label is Basically Dead
Back in the 80s, you’d see brothers sitting together, one in blue, one in red. They still do, but the edge is sharper now. This fixture has seen more red cards than any other game in Premier League history.
27 reds and counting.
It’s about proximity. You can see Anfield from Goodison if you stand on your tiptoes. They are less than a mile apart, separated only by Stanley Park. That closeness breeds a very specific kind of resentment. When Liverpool dominated the world in the 70s and 80s, Everton were often the only team that could actually lay a glove on them.
Think about the 1991 FA Cup 4-4 draw. It was so intense it literally made Kenny Dalglish resign two days later. He just couldn't take the stress of it anymore. That's the power of this game.
The Statistics That Actually Matter
If you’re looking at the raw numbers, Liverpool has the upper hand. There’s no point lying about it. As of early 2026, the Reds have 101 wins compared to Everton’s 68.
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But stats are boring. Here is what actually matters:
- Ian Rush is still the king of this fixture with 25 goals. Everton fans still have nightmares about him.
- Neville Southall played in 41 of these. He’s basically a monument in goal.
- Everton didn't win a derby at Anfield for 22 years until that weird behind-closed-doors game in 2021.
- In 2024, Everton effectively ended Liverpool’s title hopes with a 2-0 win at Goodison. That was the "Jürgen Klopp Farewell Tour" spoiler.
Tactical Shifts in the Modern Derby
Liverpool under Slot plays a much more controlled game than the "heavy metal" football of the Klopp era. They want possession. They want to squeeze you. Everton, currently transitioning into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, have leaned into a more physical, set-piece-heavy style.
It’s a clash of identities. High-finesse vs. high-friction.
When you watch Everton f.c. vs Liverpool now, look at the midfield. That’s where the bones get rattled. In the most recent meeting in September 2025, Liverpool scraped a 2-1 win at Anfield, but they were hanging on at the end. Everton’s ability to turn the game into a scrap is their greatest weapon.
What’s Next for the Rivalry?
We are entering a weird new era. With Everton moving to the waterfront, that "cross the park" intimacy is changing. The geography is shifting.
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But the hate? That’s staying put.
If you’re heading to a derby anytime soon, remember it’s not about the league table. Everton could be 20th and Liverpool could be 1st, and the game would still be a 50/50 coin flip of pure aggression.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the first 15 minutes: Most derbies are "won" or "lost" in the opening tackles. If the referee lets things go, expect a card-heavy game.
- Set-piece vulnerability: Liverpool often struggles with Everton’s height. Look for James Tarkowski or Jarrad Branthwaite on corners; they are the most likely "unexpected" scorers.
- The Salah Factor: Mohamed Salah has a freakish record of scoring in the final 20 minutes of this fixture. Never bet against a late Reds goal.
- Home advantage is fading: Interestingly, the away team has performed statistically better in terms of "expected goals" (xG) over the last three seasons. The pressure of the home crowd sometimes makes the players too frantic.
Keep an eye on the injury reports three days before kickoff. In this fixture, a missing defensive midfielder is usually more catastrophic than a missing striker because once you lose control of the center, the game turns into a track meet that Everton usually can't win.