Virgil van Dijk’s heartbreaking 100th-minute winner in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium left plenty of Evertonians, including me, speechless following a vibrant day of fan preparation.
In David Moyes’ pre-match press conference, the Glaswegian wanted fans to “show off the power of Hill Dickinson Stadium again”, and we certainly did that!
Everton’s historic run at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The scale of the occasion was unmatched, obviously due to the fact that it’s a Merseyside derby, but also because of league table positions. Just once in 13 seasons had Everton been within five points of their rivals after 32 matches; a win would have taken them up to sixth in the league, two points behind Liverpool, which may have added to the atmosphere.
Be honest… which grounds do you think are up there with Everton’s? 🤩
External image of Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA.
The tightness of the league meant this game was an opportunity to climb the table, there was a feeling of excitement. David Moyes picked a starting XI that suggested the Toffees boss sensed the Reds were there for the taking.
In order to continue the push, a couple of hours before kickoff, many Blues lined Regent’s Road, welcoming the Everton coach with a dense cloud of blue smoke and loud voices.
Building the atmosphere prior to kickoff further, a tifo indicating some clear messages, “The Originals” and “We Built This City”, was displayed in the South Stand.
READ MORE: Alan Myers points to ‘familiar issue’ that cost Everton in Merseyside derby
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Throughout the game, the noise in Hill Dickinson Stadium certainly gave me flashbacks to Goodison, with the historic atmosphere gradually returning to our new home.
Despite the electric atmosphere, Everton fell short once again to their neighbours. It’s now one win in ten Merseyside Derbies for the Blues, and many fans are realising perhaps our new home fortune may be short-lived.
Liverpool reaction to Hill Dickinson Stadium
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher took a non-biased approach to depicting the stadium, he said: “It looks fantastic on the water.”
Everton fans, how do you feel about our European football prospects now with five games to go? 🤔
The defeat to Liverpool was a sickener, but we're still right in the mix! 🙏
Iliman Ndiaye of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool.
Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington
Now the question is whether European football is still on the cards.
There are two games left at Hill Dickinson Stadium this season, and a continuation of the atmosphere will need to play a huge part in confirmation of European qualification.
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