Everton and Liverpool will lock horns for the 237th Merseyside Derby on Saturday afternoon in the latest instalment of one of English football’s most historic and heated rivalries. Through the years, there have been countless memories, from red cards and rash lunges to managers bickering on the touchline and injury-time winners, it’s a game that rarely disappoints. 

Ahead of kick-off, we relive three particularly memorable derby moments at Goodison Park, where Liverpool will be hoping to put a stop to Everton’s impressive start and bounce back after a 7-2 defeat at Villa Park. 

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  1. Everton 1-2 Liverpool: The flying Dutchman 

Rarely does this derby fail to provide controversy and with an own goal, two red cards, and two penalties, the 2007 edition, also known as the ‘Dirk Kuyt derby’ was the epitome of the bedlam. 

As Liverpool came from behind to win with a penalty in stoppage time to preserve their unbeaten league record, the forward made his mark on a historic fixture. During six seasons at Anfield, Kuyt became a cult hero at the club, with a relentless work-rate and knack of being in the right areas to score critical goals. Here, though, it was his desire and commitment to the cause that took centre stage; a man born far from Merseyside but who knew how much the fixture meant to supporters.

Though Sami Hyypia sliced the ball into his own net to give Everton the lead after 37 minutes, Kuyt scored two from the spot, the first of which came 9 minutes after the break, with the second an injury-time winner, to give the Reds a crucial win. 

Not only that, but his crunching tackle on Phil Neville brought a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘Flying Dutchman’, soaring off the ground before heading to the Everton defender, who luckily got out in time.

The Dirk Kuyt derby, it was one of many reasons why the Dutchman became an adopted scousers in these parts.

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  1. Everton 2-2 Liverpool: Luis Suarez dives in front of Moyes

There was a beautiful symmetry to be had in the image of Luis Suarez diving at the feet of David Moyes after the Everton’s manager’s less than glowing pre-match comments on the striker. 

Moyes had been critical of Suarez in the build-up to the match, claiming that divers such as the Uruguayan were causing fans to distance themselves from English football. Fitting then, that when Suarez’s shot flashed across the box before being turned in by Leighton Baines in the 14th minute, he reacted by sprinting towards Moyes and sliding on his chest at the manager’s feet.  A beaming smile on his face, it was typical Suarez; a man filled with snide who used Moyes’ remarks against him.

A world-class forward and ruthless finisher, Suarez would score again to put Liverpool 2-0 up, before Leon Osman and Steven Naismith drew Everton level. While there would be no win at Goodison for the Reds, it will go down as one of the most iconic Merseyside Derby moments, typified by Phil Neville’s later yellow card for diving after a Daniel Agger challenge. 

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  1. Everton 0-1 Liverpool: Mane makes Christmas

Ask any Liverpool fan, and they’ll tell you this is one of the best in recent years. 

It wasn’t a vintage performance, indeed at times it looked like Everton were the most likely to snatch a win. As derbies go, the actual game will go down as one of the most boring despite the fixture delight of a local derby just before Christmas. Just 5 shots on target throughout the whole ninety minutes, there would be no flashy challenges or surge of red cards of years gone by, by the end was marvellous.

As Sadio Mane tapped home the rebound in the 94th minute after Daniel Sturridge’s effort was saved by Robles, it was sheer pandemonium. It was a joy to be alive; an otherwise unassuming game turned absolutely electric in an instant. 

Dejan Lovren gives a passion fist bump in the aftermath and the Red flares engulf Goodison. No one will forget that anytime soon. 

Merry Christmas, Everton.

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