Liverpool claimed Merseyside derby bragging rights with a commanding 2-0 victory over Everton at Anfield on Sunday, ending a long-standing WSL home hoodoo against their local rivals.
The Reds made the perfect start in front of the home crowd, taking the lead inside four minutes. Summer signing Natalia Ramos delivered an excellent corner into the box, where Beata Olsson rose highest to direct a clinical header beyond Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.
The early opener set the tone for a dominant first-half display from Liverpool, who controlled the tempo and consistently pinned Everton back.
Fuka Nagano helped dictate proceedings in midfield, while Vivien Endemann provided a constant threat from the wing as the hosts looked to extend their advantage.
Liverpool came close on several occasions, with Ramos seeing a 20-yard effort deflected narrowly wide before Cornelia Kapocs also threatened from the edge of the penalty area.
Everton struggled to establish any sustained possession, although Ornella Vignola offered a rare moment of danger for the visitors when her header drifted over the crossbar after Liverpool failed to fully clear their lines.
Liverpool Maintain Control After The Break
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Liverpool’s organisation and defensive discipline preventing Everton from building any sustained momentum.
Captain Grace Fisk led the backline impressively and produced an important late intervention inside the box to deny Zara Kramžar after Everton threatened on the counter-attack.
Everton manager Scott Phelan attempted to change the momentum after the hour mark, introducing Holly McNamara, Yūka Momiki and Megan Finnigan as he looked for a way back into the contest.
However, the changes failed to significantly alter the balance of the game, with Liverpool continuing to control proceedings and goalkeeper Khiara Keating rarely called upon.
The hosts eventually found the decisive second goal in the 86th minute.
Kapocs capitalised on an opening in the Everton defence before calmly slotting the ball beyond Brosnan to put the result beyond doubt.
The late strike completed a convincing derby performance from Liverpool, who secured all three points and sent the Anfield crowd home celebrating a memorable victory over their local rivals.
