Everton History

Goodison’s Greatest Games: Everton 3 - 0 Liverpool

Everton showed a ruthless edge in front of goal and great organisation in the face of Liverpool's second-half revival to record their biggest derby win for 42 years.

Some football matches are remembered for their statistics, their trophies, their league-table consequences. Others, rarer and far more precious, are remembered because they felt like something more, like a heartbeat racing through a city. This was one of those days.

It was early September, the kind of late-summer afternoon where the sunlight falls softly over Goodison Park, giving the old stands a proud, weathered glow. Everton had begun the 2006-07 season with quiet momentum, a win over Watford, a draw at Blackburn, and a rare triumph away at Tottenham. Liverpool, for their part, arrived having barely begun their league campaign, distracted by Champions League qualifiers and far from their fluent best. None of that mattered now. On Derby day, form is merely a whisper in the roar.

The match began like a spark on dry grass. Everton pressed high, snapping at every red shirt, urging the crowd to rise – and rise they did. Just shy of the 25th minute, the first crack in Liverpool’s armour appeared. Tim Cahill, predator-like in his timing, drifted into space inside the Liverpool penalty area unmarked. One measured touch, a low finish through Reina’s legs, and Goodison exploded into a sea of flailing arms and sheer, uninhibited joy. The noise rattled the old ground like the beating of a giant drum.

Liverpool tried to steady themselves, but Andrew Johnson was relentless, quick, direct, and merciless in the chase. In the 36th minute, his persistence bore fruit. A rare misstep from Jamie Carragher left the Everton striker one-on-one. Johnson didn’t hesitate, a clean strike at the near post, and the Gwladys Street dissolved into delirium. Two goals, 12 minutes apart, and Everton were flying.

Half-time brought sunshine and swagger to the stands. Evertonians shared knowing looks, pints in hand, daring to dream. However, Liverpool returned from the interval sharper, forcing the Toffees onto the back foot. Wave after wave of red attacks came, yet Tim Howard and his defence stood firm, their clearances cheered like goals.

Then, as the final minutes approached, the day turned from special to unforgettable. Lee Carsley – never one to seek the spotlight – unleashed a hopeful strike from distance. Reina spilled it, scrambling desperately towards his own line. The Spanish goalkeeper pushed the ball loose, and there was Johnson again, nodding the ball home with an inevitability that felt almost scripted. He wheeled away towards the celebrating mass, six fingers raised high, three on each hand, a message etched into derby folklore.

When the final whistle blew, the roar wasn’t just celebration; it was catharsis. David Moyes, grinning in the post-match glow, praised his striker’s hunger and heart. Although Johnson’s Everton career would last only one more season, those two goals on that golden afternoon ensured he’d always have a place in the club’s story.

Even now, almost two decades later, the image of Johnson standing before the fans, arms aloft in triumph, is enough to stir something in any Evertonian’s chest. A stadium at full voice, pride surging through every song, and a reminder that some wins are worth far more than three points. This wasn’t just a victory. This was one of Goodison Park’s greatest games.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo [Y:34'], Lescott, Naysmith, Osman (83' Beattie), Neville, Carsley, Arteta (89' Valente), Cahill, Johnson.

Subs not used: Wright, Weir, Van der Meyde.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia [Y:90+2'], Aurelio, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko [Y:75'] (77' Pennant), Luis Garcia, Fowler (63' Riise [Y:79']), Crouch (52' Kuyt).

Subs not used: Dudek, Agger.

Scorers: Tim Cahill (24’), Andrew Johnson (36’, 90’)

Attendance: 40,004

 

 

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