Liverpool 1 - 0 Everton
I do love my early morning walks with the dog. Yesterday was no different. Clear blue skies — What was not to like? — we were off to play the Reds. The pooch, Bella, was travelling, so came with me, stopping for breakfast at the local station cafe on the way into Euston. Toasted bacon sandwich for me, and a sausage for her as we sat outside basking in the sun, feeling good.
 
It was an early start despite the late kick-off. I had to get to my sister's, where I was staying, and drop off the canine Evertonian. Into Euston in good time and then it started. Hundreds of them waiting for the platform announcement. The train was full of them, with more languages than a United Nations convention.
 
I got talking to a couple from the US, advising them on buses to get them near the stadium. Sometimes I think I'm too helpful. I could have pointed them to BMD as it was their first trip. They were friendly enough, although I was met with the usual confusion as to why I didn't support Liverpool if I was from Liverpool. I'm used to it, so rattled off my usual history lesson.
 
My sister kindly picked us up and I spent a few hours there, before popping in to see my cousin. We spoke about family, football, and me moving back home, which I'm considering to be closer to friends and family.
 
Eventually, I headed off from Liverpool South Parkway to meet with Matt Traynor in the North Western in Lime Street. Always great to put another face to a name and we swapped stories, mostly about work experiences in various parts of the world.
 
Next, it was on to County Road and the Royal Oak to meet with Peter and Neil, It was nice being amongst fellow Evertonians, with a few songs, including Elton's I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues sounding out. The Blues were in good spirits. We could see Neil doing laps of the centrally located bar looking for us until I decided to go and intercept him and guide him in to where we were standing. Unfortunately, Peter couldn't make it and headed straight to the ground.
 
The time came to make the walk of shame across Stanley Park, where we were welcomed by the first signs of the unnecessary heavy police presence, with mounted police "guarding" the way towards Mordor.
 
We made our way to the away supporters' entrance to be met by more police and stewards as we went through the controlled access system. This seemed to take a while as kick-off approached. Call me paranoid, but it seemed deliberate to mess us around.
 
There was plenty of lively banter as the Evertonians shouted over the barriers in the pig pen they funneled us through. Apologies, that's the only way I can describe it. Treated as strangers in our own city. I don't know what they thought we were going to do.
 
We got in for the start and, unfortunately to make that song. They held a banner in a pathetic response to our "We built this city in 1878" one. It simply read "We built this city". I've since seen an adapted online version "We shamed this city". More appropriate in my opinion. Wounds run deep.
 
Down to football. As is often the case with these matches, it wasn't the best spectacle for the footballing purists amongst us. These matches never are.
 
They came at us, as was to be expected, but we weathered the initial red storm and gradually started to settle into the game, causing them problems on the counter and holding our shape well. The game plan seemed to be working, and I didn't really feel threatened or have to spend time watching the floor, as I often do at derbies.
 
On the much-talked-about Tarkowski incident, initially to me, it just looked like a typical full-blooded tackle you expect. Something Peter Reid would have been proud of. In hindsight, and it's the only clip I've watched back, I'll acknowledge he was lucky to stay on the pitch.
 
Beto's "goal" was down the other end, so I can't comment on if it was or wasn't offside, but even from there, it looked close. And how he hit the post when clean through bemused me. But, he was causing them problems.
 
Half time came and, without knowing the stats, it felt like they had more possession, but we had the better chances, and I went into half-time reasonably satisfied. Job half done — and we should have been ahead.
 
I went downstairs at half-time for an older gentleman's and watched a younger lad getting ejected. Once again, it seemed overkill, but there were 8 police officers for one lad who wasn't resisting: overkill. Admittedly, I don't know what went on prior to that, but it just seemed over-the-top.
 
In the second half, they came at us again, but this time it was more sustained and their quality started to take over as we increasingly defended like our lives depended on it.
 
The next two incidents were again, too far away from me to make judgement at the time. This is where sitting on the side of the pitch helps. For once, they carved open our defence, which seemed to part like the Red Sea leading to their goal. I received messages saying they had a player offside in the build up, but I couldn't tell from where I was.
 
Likewise, I thought Jordan had one of his brain fart moments, which in fairness are becoming less frequent. It looked reckless and I expected a penalty, although not a red. I hadn't realised the ref had already blown for a free kick to them in the build-up. It did make me wonder why the game carried on and wasn't stopped.
 
To the players (and I won't go through all of them):
 
Pickford was mostly assured and made a couple of decent saves.
 
Mykolenko had another good derby outing, keeping Salah anonymous for large parts of the game.
 
Tarkowski led like he always does as we defended heroically when the pressure mounted.
 
The two young lads, Branthwaite and O'Brien, were excellent, despite Jake having a few lapses early on, but he settled.
 
Idrissa Gana Gueye was his usual self, breaking up play, winning the ball. The problem is, when he does, we don't have anyone creative enough in there to take advantage. And as good as he is, it worries me that we are going to continue to rely on him unless we have an apprentice to come in and take the mantle.
 
Alcaraz showed glimpses, but I felt he wasn't involved in the game enough. Two reasons for me. We didn't get him involved, he didn't have anyone else around him. And he was playing in a wider position. Get him central. You are only as good as those around you sometimes.
 
Ndiaye looked good when he came on and worried their defence. I hope he's back to full fitness, because I would love to see him and Charly running at defences.
 
Unfortunately, Jack Harrison had a poor performance and couldn't do a lot right. Doucoure was also anonymous and wasteful. 
 
Beto is Beto. He's not the best, causes problems and unsettles defences and gives 100%. There's something likeable about him; he's not where we want to be… but right now, he's what we've got.
 
My feelings about the derby? I've been to many over the years, at both Goodison and Anfield. When comparing notes before the match, I realised that my last derby at Anfield had been the Kanchelskis one. I hadn't realised it had been that long…
 
I know the mood and sentiment has been changing over the years, but last night really brought it home how far it has moved on. I could say toxic. Stood where we were, close to their Main Stand and with the Upper Tier of the Anfield Road above us, the abuse was relentless; but in fairness, we were giving as good as we got.
 
With my previous reference to police presence, it's a shame it's come to this. I don't mind banter and rivalry, but this feels very different. Interestingly, those who had gloatingly berated us for most of the match were very quiet and nervous in those last 10 minutes plus the 6 minutes of added time.
 
We walked along Walton Breck Road to Great Homer Street, where Neil had parked at the Sainsburys. Funnily enough, no need for police presence as we mingled.
 
Neil kindly gave me a lift back to Speke on his way home. Apparently there had been bedlam in my sister's house, with two Kopites and one Evertonian watching on Sky. The girl was pleased to see me, although when I broke the news to her that we had lost, I could sense her disappointment. I told her we are getting another one, a boy. I just don't know whether to call it Sheedy or Mulller after two great German strikers.
 
Annoyingly, I had to travel back to London today for a meeting in London tomorrow, but then I'm back on the train to avoid a stupidly early start and avoid Grand National traffic on Saturday morning for the Arsenal match.
 
Another night in the homeland. I don't mind… and I know others put in the miles as well as those whose dedication sees them up at all hours to follow our religion. It's not the cost — that will be over 1,000 miles in 3 days.
 
Next up: Arsenal, the irony being, we can do them a favour. I hope we do. Not because I want to, I don't care about them. I just want Everton to perform and win. In these increasingly reducing fixtures left, we owe it to Goodison to bow out in as much style as she deserves.

 
In summary, there wasn't much in this one, but a reminder that we need change in the playing staff. We'll get the points needed, but to move forward, a long summer of decisions is needed. Until then, keep going, Blues.
 
As always, the heartbeat of this club, the supporters, will be there. You can always tell by the supporters' reaction at the end. The majority stayed and the players got a good reception. We saw the effort, that's all we ask.
 
On that note, I have expectations for Everton. I always have had. That's not finishing 7th. It is competing for a 10th league title, our 6th FA Cup and 2nd European Trophy. I get called deluded. Maybe I am, but I don't care. That is what I was brought up on and what I witnessed. Nothing else is good enough for a club of our size and stature.
 
Do that for me, Everton, and I can go to meet my maker with a smile on my face, knowing that the fantastic younger generation can carry the baton, because they understand what I've been rambling on about for nearly 40 years.
 
See you all in spirit, Evertonians. Forever.

Reader Comments (13)

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Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
1 Posted 03/04/2025 at 22:34:00
Great stuff, Danny. I didn't need to tweak it much.

Good luck finding the right puppy! I'm only on walking duty half the time with our hound... don't know how you mange everything!

Danny O'Neill
2 Posted 04/04/2025 at 06:47:17
I forgot to nominate a man-of-the match. I could go right along the defensive line, but I'll go with Branthwaite, who edged it.
Mark Murphy
3 Posted 04/04/2025 at 07:39:32
Great stuff Danny. The thing I like best about your reports is how you share the match going experience and almost take us with you on the day. On this occasion I’m glad I wasn’t actually there. These days I have a most unhealthy, and quite sad, dislike for the reds that I never had in my youth when many of them were friends. I cannot for the life of me understand how they’ve grown so hateful with success. I’d like to think we would handle it with more class. I find myself getting dragged down to their level and imagining Juventus flags, justice for the 39 and singing “you haven’t killed an Italian, since 1985” but then we’d probably get nailed by the media whilst they are “protected” against “tragedy chanting”, something that they themselves seem to relish. They are horrible cnuts and maybe the heavy police presence is for our protection rather than oppression?
The match reports have been done to death so I won’t go into that. THAT tackle? The game has changed. I wouldn’t have lasted a full game every time I played if that was even a foul and 5 years ago it would have been applauded. Another change in the game that’s diluting the attraction for me. If a full blooded tackle on the edge of the box is outlawed, especially in a derby, then the game may as well go non contact - and when that happens count me out.
Their flag actually read “we MADE this City” and displayed all their trophies. I think that’s fair enough banter wise.
MOTM for me was also Branthwaite. Cool as a cucumber and ten times the player Van Dick was at the other end. Special mentions for Gana Guaye and Myko.
Finally, I don’t get the two great German strikers reference? Sheedy was Welsh, look you!
See you Saturday and UTFT
Danny O'Neill
4 Posted 04/04/2025 at 07:58:05
I'll message you about tomorrow Mark so we can sort out the logistics.

The Muller reference is to the great Gerd, who I remember in the late 70s as he was nearing the end of his career, but have seen plenty of footage and read about him.

And Thomas currently at Bayern, but apparently leaving in the summer.

I spent a bit of time in Germany and still follow the Bundesliga. Both great players and World Cup winners.

Sheedy has no nationality.

Brian Harrison
5 Posted 04/04/2025 at 09:46:01
Danny, as always a great read, I have to say I only go to games at Goodison now, but I have heard the same story you recounted of Evertonians being corralled like cattle by the police and stewards. Then frog marched like criminals into the ground, when did this become necessary and why has nobody questioned the police on this action. I havent heard of their fans facing the same treatment when it comes to them coming to Goodison. When I was younger I used to go with my mates to watch Liverpool and they came to watch Everton, never any trouble. But since Sky got involved in football they have nurtured this tribalism amongst fans. I was lucky to go to games before segregation and only Cup finals and England internationals were shown on the television. So you didnt see these players every week like we do now and we used to talk to opposition fans about their star players and likewise they asked about our players.
I am appalled at this treatment of our fans and also the treatment from the Council over their lack of planning to have adequate transport links to and from BMD.

Back to your comments on the players I agree with your comments.

Mark Murphy
6 Posted 04/04/2025 at 10:15:34
Can the FAB folks bring this up with their counterparts at Liverpool? I’m sure even they have some decent people who abhor this toxicity in their ranks?
Dave Abrahams
7 Posted 04/04/2025 at 10:41:54
Another good read Danny pity it wasn’t about a draw or a win which it could have been going on chances although that was the first half——the second half was a let down maybe because of tiredness with nine men doing the work of eleven.

Derby games are different, very different, to those days Brian @ (5) mentions when you could go on the Kop and be an Evertonian with no bother at all, plenty of banter and laughs and the same for Red fans at Goodison.

Another frustrating Derby, especially for those at Anfield, where we didn’t get those vital breaks and bits of luck and if we were lucky with Tarkowski’s foul ( I didn’t think it was a red) we were unlucky with the offside goal, didn’t Chelsea get one disallowed last night which looked okay to me?

I hope you have a good trip today Danny and a big smile on your face at 3-00pm tomorrow afternoon—very best wishes.

Peter Mills
8 Posted 04/04/2025 at 10:44:53
Danny, I used to go to all the derbies, home and away. I even went to Anfield for a couple of testimonials, for Roger Hunt and Gerry Byrne.

The last time I was there was for the Origi derby, using my mate’s season ticket in what was the Kemlyn Road stand (don’t know what they call it now). It was a horrible atmosphere. They spent the whole of the 2nd half slagging off Klopp but, of course, it all changed in the final minute.

I vowed never to go to the place again. A friend asked me if I was going to see Bruce Springsteen there, I said I wasn’t. Recently, a chance for tickets arose, and I thought “Why not? I’ve travelled to Manchester, Sunderland, Gothenburg to see him, why should I let them stop me seeing him in my home city?”.

Safe travels.

Jeff Spiers
9 Posted 04/04/2025 at 11:11:38
Great piece, Danny. Can't stand the cunts. Even at 72 years of age.

Why are they so obsessed with us?? Ironically, I get a buzz and a sense of sadness for them. Sad bastards!

Alan J Thompson
10 Posted 04/04/2025 at 11:20:12
Liverpool police have never been any different and at best are heavy-handed and at worst an evil unto themselves albeit police all over the world are similar.

I've never met a copper I liked and the best one I've encountered was in Bangkok who stopped eight lanes of traffic to allow me to cross the road while answering my inquiry about directions, Chaplinesque.

Paul Washington
11 Posted 04/04/2025 at 11:51:22
I see Tarkowski has copped for loads of abuse… quelle surprise.

Peter, M, My last time in the Kemlyn was the Rosenthal game, he scored the winner in what seemed the 300th minute! Loads of abuse came my way as well.

Danny, Gerd Muller was one of the best forwards ever. I still remember Mexico '70 when he sunk England.

Barry McNally
12 Posted 04/04/2025 at 12:26:22
Thanks Danny, bring three points home for us tomorrow! Keep up the good work.
Tony Abrahams
13 Posted 04/04/2025 at 12:45:40
A great read, Danny, because you encapsulate why people still give up so much time, money and effort to go and watch their team perform.

When Beto hit it over their keeper, I was off my couch ready to hit my living room ceiling, and then my thoughts immediately drifted to the Evertonians in the Anfield Road, because I could imagine everyone with their heads in their arms, all shouting “What happened there – how the fuck didn't that go in.”

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