The Merseyside derby took a different turn on Saturday night as, for the first time since 1999, Everton celebrated beating rivals Liverpool at Anfield. The Toffees secured a 2-0 win over their cross-town rivals who, in turn, suffered a record-matching fourth successive defeat inside their once feared home grounds.
Just as it was in past meetings between the two sides, the weekend's clash was not short of action and drama as both sides battled for secure the maximum three points for obvious reasons. However, it was Everton who had the best of starts, taking the lead through Richarlison's strike in a little over 120 seconds. Although Liverpool sought a response with a barrage of attempts, they were kept at bay by the brilliance of Jordan Pickford who returned to safeguard the post for the Toffees for the first time after an injury spell.
In the end, the red half of Merseyside could not make away with anything but rather, had their wounds deepened close to the end by conceding another goal. A controversial penalty call went the way of Everton after Trent Alexander-Arnold tangled with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in his side's penalty area. Substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson subsequently stepped up to convert the chance, sealing victory for the visitors.
24 - Everton picked up their first win over Liverpool in 24 meetings in all competitions (D12 L11) – ending what was Liverpool's longest ever unbeaten run against a single opponent. Finally. pic.twitter.com/fpEqMwX5Ki
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 20, 2021
In what was a landmark result for both clubs, Everton registered their first win at Anfield for the first time in this century as well as their first derby win in all competitions since 2010. Relatively, Liverpool managed their fourth consecutive home defeats for the first time since 1923. Having accrued a 68-game unbeaten league run at Anfield since the collapse to Burnley, this unwanted feat surely comes as a surprise to many.
1999 - Everton have won their first Premier League away game against Liverpool since September 1999, ending a run of 20 such matches without victory. Relief. pic.twitter.com/6TFemVHOpO
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 20, 2021
Even more agonizing, the Reds are now the first reigning top-flight champions to suffer four consecutive home league games since Everton in the 1928-29 season. Jurgen Klopp's side currently sit in sixth place, three points off the top four and 16 points behind leaders Manchester City.
