In the tapestry of English football rivalries, Liverpool vs Everton head-to-head stands out not just for its proximity on Merseyside, but for the emotional undercurrents, local pride, and dramatic narratives that have enriched each meeting. Today, SaiKick will take you on a deep dive through the stats, stories, and defining moments of this epic rivalry—because for fans, the Merseyside derby is never just a game.
The Origins And Significance Of The Rivalry
The first seeds of tension between Liverpool and Everton were sown in the late 19th century. Everton originally played at Anfield before a split led to the foundation of Liverpool FC in 1892. That schism laid the roots for animosity that would echo across generations. Over the decades, every derby has been more than three points—it’s local bragging rights, pride, and identity on the line.
What cements their clash as one of the great derbies is how evenly matched the fanbases are in the city, the overlapping social ties, and the sheer frequency with which these teams confront each other across different competitions. The rivalry has seen title-relevant showdowns, relegation deciders, FA Cup semi-finals, and dramatic last-gasp goals.
All-Time Head-to-Head: Who Has The Edge?
Let’s settle the core question: who leads in the Liverpool vs Everton head-to-head? The results lean heavily toward the Reds, though Everton have had their moments.
- Across all competitive matches (league, cups, etc.), Liverpool have won well over 100 times, while Everton’s victories are significantly fewer, with many fewer draws in between.
- One breakdown shows Liverpool with 101 wins, Everton 68, and 78 draws in a total of 247 matches.
- In the Premier League era alone, Everton’s record is more modest—just over 10 wins, many losses, and a negative goal differential.
- Home and away splits favor Liverpool, especially at Anfield, where Everton rarely triumph.
That said, derbies are full of surprises. Everton may have fewer wins, but in key games—especially on Goodison Park soil in bygone eras—they’ve produced shock results.
Recent Trends & The Modern Derby
In recent years, the balance has tilted more sharply toward Liverpool—but Everton have still snatched crucial results.
Last 5–10 Encounters
- In the last handful of matches, Liverpool have secured more wins, often by narrow margins (1–0, 2–1).
- Many derbies end with both teams scoring or with a tightly contested draw.
- The 2025 meeting saw Liverpool come out 2–1 victors, continuing their consistent edge in the fixture.
- Everton, however, produced a memorable 2–2 draw in February 2025, with James Tarkowski netting a late equalizer in what was billed as the final derby at Goodison Park.
Tactical Shifts & Style
Liverpool often dominate possession, push high, and seek to suffocate Everton’s buildup. Their ability to control tempo and press in wide areas proves decisive. Everton, in turn, have sometimes opted to absorb pressure, counter quickly, and exploit set pieces or individual moments.
But evolved squad styles, injuries, and managerial changes (on both sides) mean that predictability is elusive. There have been instances where Everton have frustrated Liverpool tactically, and where defensive resilience has yielded surprise draws or narrow victories.
Standout Matches That Defined The Derby
Here are some of the fixtures that transcend simple stats—moments that live in the memory:
- 1935: Liverpool 6–0 Everton — one of the heaviest margins in the derby, showing Liverpool’s offensive ferocity.
- 1914: Everton 5–0 Liverpool — a reverse in dominance, rare but potent.
- 1986 FA Cup Final — Everton led at half-time, but Rush (two) and Johnston turned it around for Liverpool, delivering a cup win to the Reds.
- 1989 FA Cup Final — a tense, emotional final played in the shadow of Hillsborough, with Liverpool winning after extra time 3–2.
- 2025: Everton 2–2 Liverpool — the dramatic last derby at Goodison Park featured a late equalizer, red cards, and pitch chaos. The moment was emblematic of derby flair.
- 2025: Liverpool 1–0 Everton — in a tight contest, Jota’s goal sealed all three points, continuing Liverpool’s dominance.
These matches reflect more than results—they carry symbolic weight in fan lore.
Breakdown By Venue & Competition
| Setting | Liverpool Wins | Everton Wins | Draws | Notes |
| All competitions | Vast majority in favor of Liverpool | Fewer wins (often in cup shocks) | Substantial number of draws | Liverpool’s consistency elevates their total |
| Premier League Era | Liverpool dominate | A handful of Everton wins | Some stalemates | Everton often struggle away at Anfield |
| At Anfield | Strong Liverpool record | Very rare Everton wins | Few draws | Anfield derbies often see Liverpool on the front foot |
| At Goodison Park | More draws and occasional Everton wins | Most of Everton’s derby wins | Some draws | Everton historically more dangerous at home |
Competition-wise, there are also FA Cups, League Cups, and occasional domestic cup ties. In cup matches, the margin narrows—history has recorded several upsets where Everton have outplayed expectations.
Key Players Who Defined The Derby
No derby is just about clubs—it’s about individuals who rise in the spotlight.
- Ian Rush — Liverpool’s scoring machine in derby fixtures, often decisive in clutch moments.
- Neville Southall — a stalwart for Everton, turning in heroics in the goal to frustrate Liverpool’s attacks.
- Steven Gerrard / John Barnes / Robbie Fowler — played key roles in crucial derby wins.
- Kevin Sheedy — Everton legend who delivered in big moments.
- Mohamed Salah — in modern derbies, Salah has been a constant threat for Liverpool.
- Everton’s upstarts in recent years have sometimes grabbed headlines (like Tarkowski’s derby equalizer).
These figures add texture: a Rush brace, a last-minute save by Southall, a tactical masterstroke by a manager—moments that fans replay forever.
What Drives The Derby Today?
As of 2025, the rivalry still carries fierce significance. Liverpool remain in a dominant position overall, but Everton, with new strategies and rebuilds, are intent on punching above their weight.
Some modern dynamics:
- New stadium era: Everton preparing to move from Goodison to Bramley-Moore Dock may shift the home atmosphere dynamic.
- Youthful squads: Both clubs are increasingly deploying young talent in derby fixtures, increasing unpredictability.
- Tactical pragmatism: Derbies sometimes turn cautious. Managers know that a small mistake can cost everything.
- Fan tension: These matches are among the few where local pride outweighs league position.
So even if Liverpool lead the Liverpool vs Everton head-to-head comfortably, Everton still bring motivation, desperation, and local fire.
Conclusion
The Liverpool vs Everton head-to-head is more than numbers—it’s a battle of identity, pride, and legacy. Liverpool hold the statistical edge across eras and competitions, but Everton’s flashes of brilliance have kept the derby alive with unpredictability and emotion. As the rivalry evolves—with new stadium, fresh squads, and shifting tactics—every match adds a new chapter to a storied history.
Below, SaiKick invites you to watch the next Merseyside derby with fresh eyes: pay attention to who dominates midfield, which side controls transitions, and whether the underdog digs in to shock. And if you want player profiles, match previews, or top goal scorers in this derby, tell me—there’s more to explore.
