Goodison’s Greatest Games: Everton 2-0 Liverpool | OneFootball

Goodison’s Greatest Games: Everton 2-0 Liverpool

Sunday, 21st November 1994

Everton sacked manager Mike Walker after less than a year in charge, with the Toffees sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table in November. A former Everton legend, Joe Royle was tasked with saving the Toffees from relegation, returning to his beloved club following 12 years in charge of Oldham Athletic.

Royle’s first game back was a true baptism of fire, at home against arch-rivals Liverpool in the 151st Merseyside derby. The new manager made three changes to the starting lineup as Hinchcliffe, Amokachi, and Ebbrell replaced Burrows, Rideout, and Stuart.

The opening 45 saw Liverpool dominate possession, but the visitors struggled to break down a resolute Everton defence. Ablett and Hinchcliffe linked up well down the left-hand side, while Ferguson led the line fearlessly despite a lack of service into him. Watson and Unsworth formed an unbreakable partnership at the heart of the defence, helping to limit the visitors to half-chances.

Royle could see that something needed to be changed at half-time, and the introduction of Paul Rideout for Matt Jackson swung the game in the Toffees’ favour. In the 56th minute, Hinchcliffe delivered one of his trademark in-swinging corners, and Ferguson scored his first goal for the club. With Goodison now rocking, Everton had the bit between their teeth and almost doubled their advantage, but substitute Rideout saw his effort come back off the post.

Liverpool threatened late on, but Southall was never really tested, and in the 89th minute, Ferguson set up Rideout, who slid the ball into the back of the net, ending any hopes of a comeback for the visitors. A great team performance with plenty of grit and desire, something that had been missing during Walker’s time in charge, provided the platform for Royle’s side to secure a massive three points in the derby.

Tweaks to the team and tactics at half-time made all the difference in the second half as Royle showed a glint of what was to come during his time in charge of the club. Royle’s appointment at that time and the three-game winning streak the Toffees would then go on certainly played its part in Everton avoiding relegation in the 1994/95 season.

Not only that, Royle would turn what had been a dire season into one laden with silverware as he guided the Toffees to the 1995 FA Cup, beating Manchester United at Wembley thanks to a goal from Paul Rideout. Sadly, that trophy remains Everton’s last success, and Royle’s time at the club was cut far too short due to a fallout over transfers with the board and a slump in form.

Goodison Park has seen some fantastic moments over the years, title-winning teams, great escapes, and derby day success. Getting one over the enemy often makes for the most memorable of moments, and for those Evertonians who watched the Toffees on that cold November night in 1994, this is one of those Goodison games that will never be forgotten.

Starting Lineups

Everton: Southall, Jackson, Unsworth, Ablett, Watson, Hinchcliffe, Horne, Ebbrell, Parkinson, Amokachi, Ferguson.

Liverpool: James, Babb, Ruddock, Scales, Bjornebye, Jones, Molby, Barnes, McManaman, Rush, Fowler.