Everton players celebrate after James Tarkowski makes it 2-2 during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park. Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Everton players celebrate after James Tarkowski makes it 2-2 during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park. Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The last Merseyside derby remains fresh in the memory and that is good for Everton. When you are playing against top teams it can take a long time to work out their weaknesses - if you are even able to find any. Everton certainly did that at Goodison Park six weeks ago.
They found a way to get under the skin of Liverpool, a way to compete with a team that is on the verge of winning the Premier League and, at the time, appeared on their way to Carabao Cup and even Champions League glory.
We saw that on the final whistle, with the chaos that erupted in front of the away end after James Tarkowski’s stunning late strike earned a valuable point for the Blues. The goal was a fitting end to an emotional night and kept Everton’s momentum going under David Moyes.
Related Articles
Six things we learned from Everton accounts as PSR millions lost and Friedkin improvements revealed
Everton announce huge loss but Friedkin Group make future vision clear
But we also saw that in the 90 minutes before the centre back burst the net in front of the Gwladys Street.
It may have been Everton in need of a late rally to avoid defeat, but the home side were good value for it. They could even have won that match as, for the second time in a row at Goodison, they found a way to survive the quality their arch-rivals possess.
That should provide help and inspiration on Wednesday night. I did not play in Merseyside derbies that were just weeks apart. But it was quite common with the Old Firm derby and I used to love it.
If I had struggled in the first game, a quick turnaround provided an opportunity for a quick shot at redemption. But if I, or Rangers, had done well in the first match it meant we had a blueprint that we could attempt to follow to enjoy success again. When you are the underdog that can be a massive help.
For Everton, there is the added bonus of the pressure that Liverpool will be under. It has been a long international break but they will still be hurting after being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain and then losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United. That may mean they have a point to prove.
Goodbye Goodison Park - Souvenir edition
Everton are soon set to say goodbye to Goodison Park as the Toffees play out their final few matches in their iconic home before moving to their incredible new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
And to celebrate this historic and poignant event, the ECHO has produced this stunning special souvenir edition that no fan can afford to be without as they bid farewell to their iconic and beloved home.
We have delved into the ECHO archives to unearth fascinating stories from the famous ground's past, including how it came to be built in 1892 and where its world-famous name came from.
undefined
Relive some of the most epic games to have graced the Grand Old Lady, including first-hand accounts of those involved in perhaps Goodison's greatest night - the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final win over Bayern Munich in the unforgettable year of 1985.
And then there are the legends - from Dean to Hickson, Sharp to Ferguson, Kendall to Moyes, we celebrate the Goodison icons who will live forever in the hearts and minds of Evertonians everywhere long after the ground is gone.
There are also some rare treats with a glorious collection of photographs from the archives, featuring stunning Goodison views and behind-the-scenes footage of what makes the Grand Old Lady truly trick.
Buy now and have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents on Merseyside from April 2, 2025.
Everton must be aware of the threat their wounded nemesis provides but the loss of confidence from those recent disappointments means there will be an anxiety they can exploit if they can start well.
Everton, meanwhile, are not under pressure. The club is 17 points clear of the relegation zone and fears of another fight for survival have long gone.
This game is an opportunity for so many of the players. The result of the hard work from January to March is the chance to play with freedom and even enjoy huge games like this.
There will be nothing easy about it and the players must focus on what they can do to influence the game. If they can win their battles and earn a little bit of luck then they can really push Liverpool - we have already seen that. Composure, desire and willingness - that is what I am looking for. If Everton can show the strength of character we have come to expect since Moyes returned then who knows what might happen? I can’t wait.