The international break is finally over and the Premier League is back in town this weekend. It has brought with it a number of high profile fixtures including one of the fiercest derbies between Liverpool and Everton. Ronald Koeman’s side travels to the Anfield in a lunchtime kickoff on Saturday in search of three crucial points to move up the points table. But Jurgen Klopp’s side have found some form recently and are expected to go for the kill.
Both teams have played out some interesting games that went down to the wire in the last decade. A number of derbies between the two sides will remain in the memory of the fans of the both clubs for a long time. To get ourselves into the groove for the clash at the weekend, here are three Merseyside derbies in the recent past that were memorable:
Liverpool 4-0 Everton (2014):
Though not a thriller, this game between Liverpool and Everton back in 2014 was a season changer for Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool side that season. The Reds ran into an unassailable lead just half an hour into the game as they went 3-0 before the first half.
Star striker Luis Suarez added a fourth after the break as a cherry on the cake but this game will be remembered for Daniel Sturridge’s brace in the first half. The Englishman blazed a penalty wide in the second half and missed a chance to score a hat-trick, but Liverpool were well on their way to their best ever PL finish in their history.
Everton 3-3 Liverpool (2013):
In the same season, just a few months before, Liverpool’s trip to the Goodison Park late in the year ended in one of the most thrilling games between the two sides. Coutinho opened the scoring for the Reds on the night and though Barkley pulled one back, Luis Suarez made sure Liverpool went into the break with an advantage.
Romelu Lukaku however, came up with a 10-minute brace to take the lead in front of a noisy Goodison Park. But in came Daniel Sturridge whose 89th-minute strike brought the game to level terms. Liverpool shared points with their rivals but it is a game that will not be forgotten easily.
Everton 2-2 Liverpool (2012):
And a year before that thriller, Luis Suarez stole the limelight of the Merseyside derby at the Goodison Park. Constantly criticised for simulation, Luis Suarez decided to give, the then Everton manager David Moyes, a piece of his mind during the game.
Liverpool took a two-goal lead early in the game but Everton managed to claw back to steal a point but the game will be remembered for Luis Suarez’ dive, right in front of David Moyes and thousands of Everton fans, making his own point. It is a gesture that will not be forgotten by any of the football fans in the Merseyside.
