Everton stunned Anfield to run out 3-0 winners over Liverpool and kickstart their Women’s Super League season in style.
Liverpool produced the shock of the opening round of WSL fixtures last weekend by beating champions Chelsea at Prenton Park – but their neighbours across Stanley Park brutally dampened their mood with first-half goals from Megan Finnigan and the excellent Jess Park.
The Toffees did not need to get out of second gear after that early dominance, with Liverpool barely threatening the Everton goal, despite the influence of Megan Campbell’s dangerous long-throws. The result was secured when Park released substitute Hanna Bennison who slotted home to send a sold-out away end into delirium.
After Arsenal set a new Women’s Super League attendance record on Saturday, another crowd milestone from the women’s top-flight was broken, with this Merseyside derby watched by 27,574 fans at Anfield – a record home crowd for the Liverpool Women’s team.
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Jess Park deservedly doubles Everton’s lead at Anfield against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
How Everton strolled past Liverpool
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Hanna Bennison grabs Everton’s third at Anfield as they wrap up the points against Liverpool in the WSL.
Before the match, Everton manager Brian Sorensen revealed to Sky Sports his side’s desire to quieten the Anfield crowd down early on and a positive first 10 minutes, where their defenders threatened from all over the pitch, allowed that.
First, centre-back Gabby George headed over from close range at a corner while defensive partner Finnigan’s long-range strike from 25 yards had to be tipped over by Reds goalkeeper Rachel Laws.
But from the following corner, Finnigan – who was brought up a Liverpool supporter – would not be denied in front of a full Kop stand. The set piece was flicked on by Lucy Graham and Finnigan was there to head home from close range.
Liverpool fan Megan Finnigan put Everton in front at Anfield
It was a Toffees defender who gave Liverpool their first chance of the game after 25 minutes, with Rikke Sevecke gifting the ball to Katie Stengel deep in the Everton half, but the Reds forward could only fire over the bar.
But a sucker punch breakaway goal doubled Everton’s advantage before the break. Nathalie Bjorn released Park with a stunning ball over the top and the young Toffees forward, on loan from Manchester City, showed pace and precision to round Laws and tuck home a second.
Jess Park doubled Everton’s advantage before half-time
Liverpool arguably should have halved the deficit before the break when Ceri Holland fired wide from inside the box as Everton failed to clear their lines from a corner – but Everton were denied a third when Katja Snoeijs failed to connect with a tap-in from Izzy Christiansen’s cross on the break.
Snoeijs had three good chances to make it three after the break when she first fired twice at Laws from the edge of the box, while she also headed wide from George’s deep cross from the left.
Liverpool manager Matt Beard tried to change the flow of the game using substitutions, with Yana Daniels hitting the side netting after a mazy run from the left.
Yet the impressive debutant Giovana – signed on loan from Arsenal on Deadline Day – played a key role in Everton’s third – pressing Liverpool’s defence to put Park on the break. The young forward played through Bennison who slotted home despite the best efforts of two Liverpool defenders on the line.
Daniels and Stengels spurned chances in the sixth and seventh minute of stoppage time as they both couldn’t convert when unmarked at the far post. It was not Liverpool’s day, despite their impressive crowd turning up to support them.
What’s next?
Everton host Leicester in the WSL at Walton Hall Park on Thursday; kick-off 6.30pm.
Liverpool next play on October 16 when they go to Tottenham after the international break.
