The Merseyside Derby is the longest-running top-flight local rivalry in English football, contested between Liverpool FC and Everton FC. As of March 2026, the rivalry has entered a historic new era following Everton’s move from Goodison Park to the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Historically, Liverpool holds the upper hand in the head-to-head record with over 100 wins, while Everton has secured 68 victories. The fixture is famously known as the “Friendly Derby” due to the proximity of the two clubs and the many families with split allegiances, though it holds the record for the most red cards in Premier League history, reflecting its intense competitive nature.
In this comprehensive guide, you will discover the deep-rooted origins of the “Red” and “Blue” divide, a detailed breakdown of record-breaking statistics, and an analysis of the 2025/26 season results, which saw Liverpool win 2-1 at Anfield in September 2025. Whether you are a local supporter or an international fan, this article provides the authoritative context needed to understand why this match remains the heartbeat of the city of Liverpool.
The Birth of the Rivalry
The Merseyside Derby was born out of a dispute within the Everton board in 1892. Originally, Everton played at Anfield, but a disagreement over rent and management led the club to relocate to Goodison Park.
In response, Anfield’s owner, John Houlding, formed Liverpool FC to fill the vacant stadium. This unique origin story means the two clubs began as branches of the same tree, situated less than a mile apart across Stanley Park for over 130 years.
All-Time Head-to-Head Statistics
Liverpool has traditionally dominated the statistical landscape of the derby. As of the current March 2026 standings, the Reds have recorded 101 wins, while the Toffees have 68 wins, with 78 matches ending in a draw.
Despite Liverpool’s lead, the fixture is renowned for its volatility. The record for the most appearances belongs to Everton’s Neville Southall (41), while the all-time leading scorer is Liverpool’s Ian Rush, who netted a staggering 25 goals in derby matches during his career.
The “Friendly Derby” Explained
For decades, the match was dubbed the “Friendly Derby” because it was one of the few high-profile games where fans were not segregated. Families in Liverpool often consist of both “Reds” and “Blues,” leading to a unique atmosphere of civic pride.
However, the “friendly” moniker is often debated. On the pitch, the rivalry is fierce; the fixture has seen 22 red cards in the Premier League era, more than any other match in the competition’s history, highlighting the high stakes and local passion involved.
2025/26 Season Match Details
The current campaign has seen a continuation of high-drama encounters. On September 20, 2025, Liverpool secured a narrow 2-1 victory at Anfield, with goals from Mohamed Salah and a late winner under the guidance of manager Arne Slot.
The return fixture is one of the most anticipated events of the year, scheduled for April 18, 2026. This will mark the first-ever Merseyside Derby held at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium on the Liverpool waterfront, ending over a century of tradition at Goodison Park.
New Era at Bramley-Moore Dock
Everton’s move to their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock in the summer of 2025 changed the physical landscape of the rivalry. The 52,888-capacity stadium sits on the banks of the River Mersey, moving the “Blue” half of the city closer to the water.
This relocation has modernized the matchday experience, featuring world-class hospitality and the “Everton Way” fan walkway. Despite the move, the symbolic distance between the two clubs remains small, ensuring the local “neighborhood” feel of the derby is preserved.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending a Merseyside Derby is a bucket-list experience for many. Because of the extreme demand, tickets are almost exclusively available to club members.
Matchday Logistics
- Opening Hours: Stadium gates typically open 2 hours before kickoff. Fan zones at both Anfield and Hill Dickinson Stadium offer live music and food.
- Pricing: Tickets for the derby are “Category A” fixtures. Prices range from £40 to £65 for standard seats, while hospitality packages can exceed £300.
- Transportation: For Anfield, use the 917 bus from the city center. For the new Everton stadium, the Sandhills station remains the primary rail link, with shuttle buses provided.
- What to Expect: Expect intense noise and a sea of red and blue. The city center is usually vibrant but busy, so booking restaurants in advance is essential.
- Visitor Tips: Visit the Dixie Dean statue at the new stadium or the Bill Shankly statue at Anfield for the perfect pre-match photo.
Rivalry Origins
Liverpool and Everton’s rivalry began in 1894 when Everton left Anfield due to a rent dispute, forcing Liverpool FC’s formation. The first match saw Everton win 3-0 at Goodison Park on October 13, 1894, setting a tone of early dominance by the Blues. This split created a unique city divide, with working-class loyalties fueling lifelong passions.
The clubs’ proximity—less than five miles apart—intensified everything, from pitch battles to street chants. Everton, founded in 1878 as St. Domingo’s, became the elder statesman, while Liverpool rose quickly, winning their first league title in 1901. Early fixtures were one-sided, with Everton claiming 21 wins in the first 39 meetings.
First Matches Breakdown
The inaugural derby on October 13, 1894, ended 3-0 to Everton, with goals from local heroes like Alex Latta. Played at Goodison under muddy conditions, it drew 40,000 fans eager for the new grudge match. Liverpool’s players, many ex-Everton, added betrayal narratives.
By 1905, Liverpool reversed fortunes, winning promotion and their first title, but Everton responded with a 1906 league win. These games averaged three goals, showcasing attacking flair before defenses tightened. Locations alternated between Anfield’s emerging Kop stand and Goodison’s towering Gwladys Street.
Historical Head-to-Head
Across 250+ competitive meetings, Liverpool leads with around 100 wins to Everton’s 70, per league records up to 2026. Draws number about 80, with total goals exceeding 400 in top-flight alone. Liverpool’s edge grew post-1970s, boasting a 60% win rate in derbies since 2000.
Everton’s golden eras—1930s and 1980s—produced upsets, like their 5-0 in 1909. Highest-scoring was Liverpool’s 7-4 in 1933 at Anfield. Home advantage shines: Anfield unbeaten in derbies since 1999 until recent draws.
20th Century Dominance Shifts
In the 1920s-30s, Everton won four titles, thrashing Liverpool 5-0 away in 1909 and matching with league crowns. Liverpool rebuilt under George Kay, clinching the 1947 FA Cup despite post-war austerity. The 1960s saw Bill Shankly’s Liverpool revolution, but Everton’s 1963 and 1970 doubles kept parity.
The 1970s-80s marked peak intensity, with both clubs dominating Europe. Liverpool’s 11 league titles and four European Cups dwarfed Everton’s 1985 and 1987 successes, yet derbies stayed tight—think 1984 League Cup final replay, Graeme Souness’ winner. Over 50 goals scored in this era’s 30 fixtures.
1970s Derby Intensity
Shankly’s Liverpool met Howard Kendall’s Everton amid title races, producing classics like 1974’s 2-2 Anfield thriller. Goodison saw 1-0 Everton edges, but Liverpool’s 1976 3-1 win sparked chants of dominance. Fan violence peaked, with 1979 pitch invasions.
Attendance hit 60,000 routinely, trains packed from Liverpool’s docks. Key players: Emlyn Hughes vs Bob Latchford, battles mirroring industrial city’s grit. This decade birthed “This is Anfield” scarves waved defiantly.
1980s Golden Era Clashes
Liverpool under Dalglish swept eight major trophies, beating Everton in 1986 FA Cup final 3-1 despite Gary Lineker’s opener. Everton’s 1985 league title came days after Hillsborough preview tragedy. Derby attendances topped 50,000, with Peter Reid embodying Everton’s steel.
1989’s 2-1 Liverpool win at Goodison followed Heysel ban fallout, heightening emotions. European voids hurt both, but domestic cups filled voids—1984 League Cup went Liverpool’s way. Goals from Ian Rush terrorized Everton keepers.
1990s Stagnation Period
Post-Heysel and Hillsborough, derbies lost silverware edge but gained emotion. Liverpool’s 1992 2-0 Anfield win featured Ronnie Whelan magic, while Everton’s 1994 2-2 draw under Joe Royle sparked survival hopes. Attendance dipped to 30,000s amid Premier League birth.
Transfers blurred lines: David Unsworth joined Everton from West Brom but shone against ex-Reds. Robbie Fowler’s 1990s hat-tricks defined Liverpool hauls. Fines for “Fed up with United” banners showed unity against bigger rivals.
2000s Resurgence Battles
Benitez’s 2005 Champions League miracle boosted Liverpool, who won 2006 FA Cup semi 2-0 over Everton. Moyes’ Everton frustrated with 2002 1-0 Goodison shock and 2004 2-2 draws. Gerrard’s volleys, like 2001’s last-gasp free-kick, became legend.
Over 20 meetings, Liverpool won 12, but Everton’s home form held firm—unbeaten there 1994-2000 run extended. Moyes’ “dogfight” quotes captured scrap. Anfield’s Kop sang “Mersey Banks” mocking Goodison woes.
2010s Modern Classics
Rodgers’ Liverpool dominated 2013-14 with Suarez brilliance, but Everton under Martinez drew 2-2 amid title slip. Klopp’s era exploded: 2017 3-1 Anfield rout, Origi’s 2018 96th-minute volley. Everton’s 2019 1-0 via Bernard stunned.
Head-to-head tilted Liverpool 10-3 in decade. VAR debuted in 2019 derbies, nullifying goals. Fan protests against both boards unified briefly. Salah’s speed vs Pickford saves defined matchups.
2020s Recent Encounters
Post-pandemic, 2021’s 2-2 thriller saw Pickford’s rash challenge on Van Dijk. Liverpool’s 4-1 2022 demolition included Jota hat-trick. Everton’s 2023 Goodison point halted streaks, Dyche era grit shining.
Up to 2026, Liverpool unbeaten at home since 1999 (draws aside), 20+ wins streak. Slot’s reign promises more; Branthwaite vs Nunez battles loom. Attendance nears 80,000 combined now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more Merseyside Derbies?
Liverpool holds the overall record with 101 wins compared to Everton’s 68. The teams have shared 78 draws across all competitions since 1894.
Who is the top scorer in Liverpool vs Everton history?
Ian Rush is the all-time leading scorer in the Merseyside Derby, having scored 25 goals for Liverpool. Everton’s record holder is Dixie Dean, who scored 19 goals in the fixture.
When was the last time Everton won at Anfield?
Everton’s last victory at Anfield occurred in February 2021, where they secured a 2-0 win during the COVID-19 pandemic-affected season.
Where is Everton’s new stadium located?
Everton now plays at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, located at Bramley-Moore Dock on the North Liverpool waterfront. It replaced their long-time home, Goodison Park, in 2025.
Why is it called the “Friendly Derby”?
The name comes from the fact that supporters often sit together in mixed groups, and many families in the city contain both Liverpool and Everton fans.
How many red cards have been shown in the Merseyside Derby?
There have been 22 red cards in the Premier League era, which is a record for any single fixture in the history of the league.
Can I buy tickets on the day of the match?
No, tickets for the Merseyside Derby are never sold on the day. They must be purchased weeks in advance through official club channels, usually requiring a paid membership.
How far apart are Anfield and the new Everton stadium?
The new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is approximately 2.5 miles from Anfield, a slightly further distance than the original 0.6 miles across Stanley Park from Goodison Park.
Who is the current manager of Liverpool and Everton?
As of March 2026, Arne Slot is the manager of Liverpool, and Sean Dyche continues to lead Everton through their inaugural season in the new stadium.
Final Thoughts
The Merseyside Derby is the most enduring top-flight rivalry in English football history, contested by Liverpool FC and Everton FC. As of March 2026, Liverpool leads the all-time head-to-head record with 101 victories, while Everton has secured 68 wins, with 78 matches ending in a draw. The rivalry is currently defined by a major geographic shift; while Liverpool continues to play at Anfield, Everton recently moved from Goodison Park to the cutting-edge Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. In their most recent encounter on September 20, 2025, Liverpool earned a 2-1 victory at Anfield with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike, preserving a dominant home record against their neighbors.
In this comprehensive guide, you will explore the 134-year history of the “Friendly Derby,” including the 1892 split that created Liverpool FC. We provide detailed statistical breakdowns, a review of the 2025/26 season results, and essential practical information for fans planning to attend the first-ever derby at Everton’s new waterfront stadium on April 19, 2026.
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