Everton v Liverpool: Great derby clashes

By Emdad Rahman 

Original article

Liverpool 3 Everton 1, FA Cup final, 1986

It was an era dominated by Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool and Howard Kendall’s Everton. Wembley was the setting as the titans of English football faced each other for the prize of the world’s greatest cup competition.

Gary Lineker drew first blood, but a Craig Johnston strike sandwiched between a lethal Ian Rush brace won Liverpool the Double.

Everton 0 Liverpool 5, Division One, 1982

It was 1982-83 and Bob Paisley’s final year at the helm before retiring and handing over the reigns to Joe Fagan. Paisley masterminded this demolition job over Liverpool’s Mersey rivals.

It was gloomy November when the Reds travelled to Goodison Park to hand out the mother of all beatings to the Toffee men. Alan Hansen’s run and assist triggered an unforgettable goal rout.

Ian Rush bagged himself four goals. It was the first derby treble since 1935 and Rushie still holds the record of being the only player to score a hat trick at Goodison Park.

Liverpool dominated the season and finished as champions.

Everton 4-4 Liverpool (aet, FA Cup 5th Round replay, 1991)

This game had everything. Peter Beardsley got things rolling with a crisp half volley from close range until Graeme Sharp headed in Andy Hinchcliffe’s cross for 1-1.

Beardsley regained the lead for Liverpool, with a cheeky shimmy past Martin Keown before beating Neville Southall. Sharp then took advantage of the ill-famed Stevie Nicol and Bruce Grobbelaar mix up to draw Everton level at 2-2.

Thereafter Ian Rush’s goal was cancelled out by Tony Cottee to herald extra time. John Barnes scored a breathtaking curler but it was not to be as Tony Cottee completed his brace to equalise at 4-4.

The drama didn’t end there. It was the end of the road for Kenny Dalglish. The King resigned as Liverpool manager after the game.

Everton 2-3 Liverpool, Premier League, 2001

Liverpool were in the race for a champions League berth, whilst Everton needed to avoid a relegation dogfight. The venue was a cauldron of fire and brimstone in one of the most stormy and tempestuous Merseyside derbies ever.

Twelve yellow cards were brandished, two reds, two penalties awarded, and five goals scored. Emile Heskey’s opening salvo was cancelled out by big Duncan Ferguson for 1-1.

Markus Babbel scored two make it 2-1, whilst Robbie Fowler missed from the spot. Igor Biscan was sent off after he gave away a penalty. Spot kick expert David Unsworth made it 2-2.

With Gerard Houllier’s men ruing a missed opportunity the majestic Gary McAlllister struck an incredibly audacious 40 yard free kick winner to send the Reds into raptures. 

Liverpool 3-2 Everton FA Cup Final, 1989

No Merseyside derby will probably ever surpass this FA Cup final meeting for emotion. The game came in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster, which led to the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans.

It was a day that united the great city of Liverpool in more ways than one. In light of Hillsborough the match was rightfully not abandoned. A Merseyside final at Wembley was an apt catalyst for the healing process to begin.

Kick off saw hostilities resume for 90 minutes, with John Aldridge beating Neville Southall from Steve McMahon’s cross. Substitute Stuart McCall snatched a late second half leveller and there was further drama in extra time. 

Ian Rush, also a substitute, scored before McCall again equalised in spectacular fashion. It was not to be for Colin Harvey’s men as Rushie swivelled on John Barnes’ centre to score another famous F.A Cup final winner.