Anfield has long been viewed among England’s most daunting away grounds: a cauldron where hostility and passion collide with devastating effect.
How often has it pushed those in red to unimaginable heights, while simultaneously zapped opponents of functionality? It’s a debilitating combination that has stymied some of the world’s greatest.
Yet, in recent times, Everton, particularly in the Women’s Barclays Super League (BWSL), have been immune to that potent cocktail.
Admittedly, the reduced capacity somewhat dilutes the intensity of the Anfield crowd, but Everton have still managed to overcome the Kop’s roar, You’ll Never Walk Alone and the spotlight of playing at such a famous stadium.
At times, it has proved straightforward. The Toffees had tasted victory in five consecutive visits, with Liverpool Women never previously winning the derby at Anfield.
That was until Sunday, however, when goals from Beata Olsson and Cornelia Kapcos secured a 2-0 win to continue Liverpool’s impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign.
“It’s nice because that's a stat that can grow and grow,” Gareth Taylor acknowledged post-match, as the Reds secured back-to-back derby wins for the first time since 2014. “It was really nice for us to share that with the supporters today.”
Just over a year since Everton’s dominant 4-1 win at Anfield, the sands are shifting on the banks of the Mersey. There’s a growing belief that the Reds can challenge for Europe this term, but for the Blues, this has been a perplexing beginning to the campaign.
Everton feeling blue
A quick glance at the BWSL table may suggest there is little reason for concern after four games. Two wins, in addition to a midweek victory in the Women’s Subway League Cup, represent an acceptable Everton start.
Yet the underlying numbers show an alarming trend. Across four BWSL games, Everton have managed an expected goals (xG) of less than 1.0 per match, have produced just eight shots on target, missed all five ‘big chances’ created, and have a shot conversion of four percent.
In comparison, Liverpool’s conversion rate stands at 14 percent. They have managed 24 shots on target and have doubled their local rival’s xG so far this season.
“We know we need to be more decisive in those actions,” said Scott Phelan. “It’s something we’ve been working on for the last two weeks.”
Yet the most remarkable stat to emerge from the opening weeks of the season is that, despite picking up six points, no Everton player has yet scored a BWSL goal. Both 1-0 wins over Charlton Athletic and West Ham United were secured via own-goals, meaning the Toffees remain above Arsenal and Manchester United at this early juncture of the season.
That won’t continue for long if Everton remain so goal-shy, though.
Against Liverpool, those demons surfaced again. Everton amassed just 40 percent possession, created one ‘big chance’ and produced an xG of 0.75.
When the visitors did manage to fashion a shooting opportunity, they were again profligate. Hannah Cain fired over Everton’s best opening of the game just before half-time, when she should have at least tested Khiara Keating. Likewise, Maria Vignolia and Naomi Layzell ought to have shown more composure rather than snatching at first-half attempts.
In truth, had the hosts themselves been more clinical, the scoreline would have looked more lopsided. Natalia Ramos alone had three excellent second-half chances, and still looked a tad bemused at full-time not to have opened her BWSL account.
That Liverpool looked more likely to score after the break should also concern Everton, who were rocked after conceding from Olsson’s precise header after just four minutes.
“When you come to Anfield and go 1-0 down so early, it can really knock the stuffing out of you,” said a frustrated Megan Finnigan, who agreed with her manager’s verdict that a lack of self-belief was evident.
“They [Liverpool] deserved to win today,” she added. “We were second best to everything. I don't really feel these derbies are about who is going to play the best football, it’s more about who wants it more, who shows more desire and passion. I don’t think we did that today and probably showed them too much respect at times which allowed them to gain control.”
No reason for panic
For all the worrying metrics, it would be misguided to consider Everton’s opening to the season a disaster. For a start, they have won more games than they’ve lost, and approached the derby on the back of two consecutive victories in the league and cup.
Even the stats can be viewed through a different, less critical lens. Currently, three teams have a worse xG than Everton, only nine of 14 BWSL teams have created more ‘big chances’ and Everton rank eighth for touches in the opposition box.
For that reason, Phelan is confident of an upswing soon. “I think we’re getting into some decent moments and maybe they’re not as memorable at the moment because the final action is not as decisive as it needs to be,” said the Everton coach. “That's something we need to improve and work on.
“We’ve played four games. It’s certainly not panic stations. We’re working with the players and have good players in that area of the pitch. We’re convinced they will contribute more; we just have to wait for those moments to appear. Hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.”
It would also be remiss to allow the disconcerting attacking numbers to shift the spotlight away from what has been an excellent defensive start to the campaign. Everton have conceded just three times this term, with only Chelsea managing more than the Toffees’ two clean sheets.
Even in a one-sided contest against Liverpool, Everton managed to keep the opposition at bay for the 82 minutes between Olsson’s header and Kapcos’ late tap-in. With first-choice centre-back pairing Hannah Silcock and Layzell on the pitch, Phelan’s side were compact and organised. Layzell, in particular, produced several timely interventions in the box to deny Liverpool. It’s little wonder Everton rank top of the BWSL for interceptions this season.
Ruby Mace also impressed from midfield, with a crucial block and goal-line clearance. She epitomised Everton's disciplined, structured approach. Ultimately it was only unpicked by a set-piece and then again in the final throes as the Toffees pushed to find a way back into the game.
There are undeniable reasons for optimism. Combine the defensive rigidity with a more cohesive, clinical attack, and quickly Everton’s season will look much rosier.
Greater returns at London City Lionesses next week would be a start. Then after the international break, Everton return with league games against sides in the bottom half of the table and a cup double versus BWSL 2 opponents.
If at that stage goals remain in short supply, Phelan’s outlook might differ. But the Everton boss currently has no fears. He’s just waiting for his side to click into gear.
