The Merseyside derby always carries an edge, and today’s clash between Liverpool and Everton was no exception. Played at a breathless tempo and charged with local pride, it was a vivid reminder of why this rivalry remains one of the fiercest in the women’s game.
From the first whistle, Liverpool pressed with purpose. Their midfield snapped into challenges, forcing Everton into hurried clearances and rushed decisions. The early dominance paid off midway through the first half when a slick passing move carved open the blue defence. Holland’s right-footed cross arced invitingly to the back post, where Enderby met it with conviction to send the home support into raptures.
However, it proved to be Enderby’s final involvement. After colliding with Liverpool goalkeeper Brosnan, she was stretchered off in worrying scenes that momentarily silenced the crowd.
Liverpool regrouped quickly. On the stroke of half-time, Holland delivered a teasing free-kick into the Everton box. What followed was defensive chaos: the ball ricocheted through a sea of bodies before dropping kindly for Olsson, who reacted fastest to prod home from a yard out and double the advantage.
Everton emerged for the second half with renewed determination rather than panic. Their patient build-up play and intelligent movement out wide began to stretch Liverpool’s back line. The tempo increased, and Liverpool’s goalkeeper was tested by a flurry of driven efforts from distance.
The pressure eventually told in the most extraordinary fashion. Substitute Galli struck a low shot that cannoned off the post, rebounded onto the diving goalkeeper’s head, and trickled over the line. A freak goal, but one that handed Everton a lifeline and set up a nervy finale.
Derbies often hinge on composure, and Liverpool rediscovered theirs when it mattered most. As Everton poured forward, every cross and shot seemed to meet a red shirt. Blocks, clearances and last-ditch challenges preserved the lead.
The closing stages were tense. Everton committed bodies forward in search of an equaliser, while Liverpool defended with resilience and discipline. When the final whistle blew, relief swept across the red half of Merseyside, while frustration lingered for the blue.
Beyond the result, the contest may ultimately be remembered for Enderby’s injury. Speaking to Channel 4 after the match, Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor offered an update:
“I just spoke to her briefly then and she said that it felt like her kneecap popped out of place. Nothing is great in the knee area, but the first thing you think about is what everyone thought. Hopefully she seems to be OK.”
Liverpool march into the quarter-finals, joining holders Chelsea F.C. Women, Manchester City W.F.C., Arsenal W.F.C., Birmingham City W.F.C., Brighton & Hove Albion W.F.C., and Charlton Athletic W.F.C.. Meanwhile, London City Lionesses face Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Women on Monday to decide the final quarter-final spot.
