Liverpool 0-1 EvertonLucy Graham turns Merseyside blue with first-half winner to claim bragging rights
Lucy Graham’s first-half strike ensured Everton picked up back-to-back Barclays FA WSL wins with a battling 1-0 Merseyside derby victory, in front of an impressive Anfield crowd of 23,500.
Graham's long-range effort snuck in on the stroke of half time, and that proved to be the difference in this historic clash, as Willie Kirk's side move up to third in the table.
However, Liverpool's miserable start to the 2019-20 campaign continues, as they remain bottom of the WSL, without a league win this season.
KEY MOMENTS
Liverpool had the better chances in the opening 45 minutes, with Niamh Charles causing problems for the Everton defence right from kick off.
The Reds’ best opportunity of first half fell to Kirsty Linnett, as Tinja Korpela produced a fine reflex save to tip her header past the post on 17 minutes.
With Liverpool dominating possession before the break, Rhiannon Roberts also tested Korpela with a long-range drive on 41 minutes.
Despite Liverpool enjoying the better chances, Everton edged themselves in front on the stroke of half time, as Graham's 25-yard effort was fumbled into the net by Anke Preuss.
Boosted by Graham's goal, the visitors started the second half on the front foot, with substitute Hannah Cain firing just wide.
Vicky Jepson's side battled hard to find a way back into the game in the final half hour, with Everton defender Danielle Turner making a superb block to deny Charles on 66 minutes.
The hosts continued to press for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Charles heading a great chance just wide with four minutes to go.
GOAL OF THE MATCH
Anke Preuss had been a spectator for much of the first half, but when called upon just before the interval she fluffed her lines.
Graham’s strike should have been kept out but the ball squirmed clear and over the line for what proved to be the game’s only goal.
WHAT THEY SAID
Everton boss Willie Kirk: "A win means a lot to Everton football club, as it has been a while since an Everton team has won at Anfield.
"It is so important for everyone involved with club, including the players and the fans.
"It is always good to get a win when you are not at your best, and I don't think we were at our best in terms of keeping the ball.
"But in the second half we showed real character and defended really well.
"It was daunting in the second half, with 11 Liverpool players and the power of the Kop coming at you, but we held on.
"The atmosphere here was great, and it actually felt closer to 50,00 in the crowd towards the end.
"To get a crowd of 23,500 here is excellent and I think it moves the game in the right direction."
Liverpool boss Vicky Jepson: "It hurts to lose this game because we were the better team, and there is no doubt about that.
"However, we gifted them a goal just before half time, which Anke is obviously devastated about.
"Everton were not going to score against us, unless we gave it to them, and that is that has happened.
"I thought the girls worked very hard. We showed intensity on and off the ball, and executed our game plan brilliantly.
"However, the big thing is that we got over 23,000 people here at Anfield, to watch a women's football game.
"That is the big celebration from this. Despite the result I am really proud of the players and performances like that will earn us more and more fans to come and watch again.
"I could not fault our players at all, every single one of them was outstanding."
Liverpool (4-3-3): Anke Preuss; Becky Jane, Niamh Fahey, Sophie Bradley-Auckland, Leighanne Robe; Jade Bailey, Rhiannon Roberts, Niamh Charles; Amy Rodgers, Kirsty Linnett, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk
Substitutes: Rinsola Babjide for Sweetman-Kirk 59, Ashley Hodson for Linnett on 76
Substitutes not used: Fran Kitching, Ashley Hodson, Missy Bo Kearns, Christie Murray
Everton (4-2-3-1): Tinja Korpela, Esme Morgan, Gabby George, Kika Van Es, Danielle Turner; Inessa Kaagman, Abbey-Leigh Stringer; Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Simone Magill, Lucy Graham; Elise Hughes
Substitutes: Hannah Cain for Hughes on 45, Maeva Clemaron for Abbey Leigh-Stringer 63, Molly Pike for Kaagman on 83
Substitutes not used: Kirstie Levell, Taylor Hinds, Georgia Brougham, Megan Finnigan
Goal: Graham 45
Bookings: Graham 57
Referee: A Fearns
Attendance: 23,500