Everton Women claimed a vital victory in the Merseyside derby, defeating Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The win not only marked a significant moment for the Toffees but also ensured that they completed a league double over their rivals this season, having previously triumphed at Goodison Park in November.
Elsie Stenevik, the experienced Norway international, was instrumental in the match, rallying her teammates and the fans to take full advantage of the historic venue. After a disappointing loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in their last outing, Stenevik expressed her determination to bounce back. "We love to play there, we will give everything and we want as many Evertonians there as possible to take over their stadium," she stated before the match.
The Toffees entered the game knowing that a win would not only boost their morale but also solidify their position in the league standings. Stenevik had previously highlighted the importance of the match, saying, "If we win against Brighton then we pass them and have a great chance for fifth place." Although they fell short against Brighton, the team’s focus shifted to the derby, a fixture that carries significant weight in Merseyside.
On the other side, Liverpool faced the match with their own set of challenges. Under the guidance of Amber Whiteley, the Reds were looking to secure a positive result that would guarantee them finishing above Everton in the league. However, they were still reeling from a recent FA Cup semi-final exit, where a last-minute goal by Aggie Beever-Jones had dashed their hopes of progressing further in the tournament.
In a match that saw both sides battling fiercely, it was Everton who struck first. Katja Snoeijs opened the scoring early in the first half, converting a chance from the centre of the box following an assist from Kelly Gago. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the match, as Everton’s defense held firm against Liverpool’s attempts to equalize.
As the match progressed, Everton continued to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off when Karen Holmgaard doubled the lead with a well-placed shot from the centre of the box, assisted by Toni Payne. The goal came in the dying minutes of the match, sealing a crucial victory for the visitors.
Despite the loss, Liverpool had their moments, with Olivia Smith and Ceri Holland coming close to scoring. Smith, in particular, had a few opportunities but was unable to find the back of the net. The Reds were left frustrated as they struggled to convert their chances into goals, a recurring theme throughout their season.
The match also marked a significant moment for Liverpool captain Niamh Fahey, who announced her retirement at the end of the season. Fahey's departure will leave a void in the team, and her leadership will be sorely missed.
For Everton, this victory not only serves as a boost in confidence but also a testament to their resilience and determination. Having previously won at Anfield last season, they maintained their unbeaten record against Liverpool at their historic home ground, with previous victories in 1997, 2019, and 2022.
With the WSL season drawing to a close, Everton's victory positions them well as they aim for a respectable finish. Stenevik's promise to give everything for the Evertonians was evident in the team's performance, and they will look to carry this momentum into their final league match.
As the dust settles on this derby, both teams will reflect on the season and look ahead to their respective futures. For Everton, the win is a reminder of what they can achieve, while Liverpool will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the challenges ahead. The rivalry continues to heat up, and both sets of fans will eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this storied contest.
