Everton suffered their first Women’s Super League defeat of the season on Sunday as Liverpool ended the Blues’ remarkable winning run at Anfield.
Beata Olsson headed the hosts ahead after only four minutes before Cornelia Kapocs added the second four minutes from time, leaving Scott Phelan’s side with nothing to show for their afternoon.
As we covered in our Merseyside derby match report, Liverpool were the better side overall, but there were still some creditable individual performances from Everton.
Here are our Everton player ratings from the 2-0 defeat.
Everton player ratings after Liverpool defeat
Courtney Brosnan – 7
Could do little about Olsson’s well-directed early header and made important saves to prevent Liverpool extending their advantage sooner. One of the reasons Everton remained within a goal until the closing stages.
Hannah Blundell – 5.5
A difficult afternoon on the right of the Everton defence. Liverpool carried a consistent threat and Blundell wasn’t able to have the influence further forward that Phelan would have wanted.
Naomi Layzell – 6.5
Made an important early intervention to cut out Vivien Endemann’s cross, although Liverpool scored from the resulting corner. Another block later in the game helped keep Everton within touching distance.
Hannah Silcock – 6
Part of a defence that came under sustained pressure but kept the game alive until late on. Replaced by Megan Finnigan after 78 minutes as Phelan made another change.
Hikaru Kitagawa – 6.5
A solid enough afternoon despite Liverpool’s superiority. Lasted 79 minutes before Noemie Mouchon was introduced as Everton looked for a way back into the contest.
Ruby Mace – 7.5
Everton’s standout performer. Mace produced a particularly important goal-line clearance to deny Kapocs during the second half and did plenty of defensive work in front of the back four. Booked after 54 minutes but continued to compete effectively.
Clare Wheeler – 7
A busy afternoon alongside Mace against a Liverpool midfield that enjoyed the greater share of possession. Wheeler kept working and was among Everton’s better performers despite the hosts controlling much of the game.
Hannah Cain – 6
Found space for one of Everton’s better first-half opportunities but couldn’t keep her effort down. Made way for Mayumi Pacheco shortly before the hour as Phelan made his first change.
Rosa van Gool – 6
Started centrally behind Kramzar but found it difficult to consistently influence the game. Everton didn’t spend enough time in dangerous areas for their attacking midfielders to take control. Replaced by Yuka Momiki after 70 minutes.
Ornella Vignola – 7
One of Everton’s brighter attacking performers. Had an opportunity to respond to Liverpool’s early goal when goalkeeper Khiara Keating failed to deal cleanly with a cross, but couldn’t direct her header on target. Continued trying to provide an outlet on the left.
Zara Kramzar – 5.5
A frustrating afternoon at the head of the Everton attack. Almost found an opening from a counter after the break, only for Grace Fisk to make a well-timed intervention. Service was limited before Holly McNamara replaced her after 70 minutes.
Substitutes
Mayumi Pacheco – 6
Replaced Cain after 59 minutes as Phelan looked for a different route into the game. Everton remained in contention but couldn’t find the equaliser.
Yuka Momiki – 6
Given the final 20 minutes in place of Van Gool. Tried to give Everton more creativity as they chased the game without finding the decisive opening.
Holly McNamara – 6
Came on alongside Momiki and gave Liverpool goalkeeper Keating work to do with a late effort. One of Everton’s few attempts to seriously threaten the Liverpool goal during the closing stages.
Megan Finnigan – 6
Replaced Silcock after 78 minutes. Entered with Everton pushing for an equaliser before Kapocs eventually made the game safe for Liverpool.
Noemie Mouchon – 6
Given the final stages in place of Kitagawa—little opportunity to influence proceedings before Liverpool scored their second seven minutes after her introduction.
Player of the match: Ruby Mace – 7.5/10
There weren’t many candidates after an afternoon in which Liverpool created the better chances, but Mace deserves the nod.
Her goal-line clearance from Kapocs was the clearest example of her defensive contribution, while she and Wheeler continued competing in midfield despite Liverpool enjoying the greater control.
Brosnan also deserves credit for keeping the score down, and Vignola was among Everton’s more effective attacking players, but the Blues rarely looked like reproducing the attacking threat that had helped them win their opening three league matches.
It was a disappointing way for Everton’s remarkable sequence of WSL victories at Anfield to end. One defeat doesn’t undo their strong start, but Phelan will want a response when domestic football resumes.
LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments
Everton’s long Anfield winning run ends with 2-0 derby defeat
Everton’s long Anfield winning run ends with 2-0 derby defeat
Charlie Adam hails Leighton Baines as very good Everton coach
Charlie Adam hails Leighton Baines as very good Everton coach