Everton's Resounding Victory at Anfield
In a stunning display of dominance, Everton Women secured a 4-1 victory over Liverpool Women in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on September 7. This match marked the opening of the 2025/26 Women's Super League (WSL) season, and Everton made a powerful statement with their performance. The win continues their recent supremacy in this historic rivalry, as Liverpool has not beaten Everton in the league since 2019.
The game started with Liverpool taking an early lead, but Everton quickly turned the tide. Ornella Vignola, making her debut for Everton, stole the show by scoring a hat-trick, a remarkable feat that underscored her immediate impact on the team. Additional goals from Cornelia Kapocs and Katja Snoeijs sealed the comprehensive triumph for the visitors.
Managerial Insights and Historical Context
Everton manager Brian Sorensen couldn't resist a playful jab at their rivals, remarking that Anfield feels like his team's 'training pitch.' This comment came after yet another successful outing at the iconic stadium, highlighting Everton's comfort in what is traditionally a daunting venue for visiting teams. Sorensen's confidence is backed by a strong record against Liverpool, with Everton maintaining an unbeaten run in their last seven league encounters, securing five wins and two draws.
For Liverpool, the match was a disappointing start under new manager Gareth Taylor. Despite the home advantage and a promising early goal, they couldn't withstand Everton's clinical attack. This loss adds pressure on Taylor to turn around Liverpool's fortunes in this fixture, as fans hope to see a revival of past competitiveness in the derby.
Impact on the WSL Season Ahead
Everton's emphatic win sets a high bar for their ambitions in the 2025/26 WSL season. With new talent like Vignola making an instant impact, the team appears poised for a strong campaign. Their ability to come from behind and dominate at Anfield suggests a resilience and attacking prowess that could challenge top teams in the league.
For Liverpool, the heavy defeat raises questions about their readiness for the season. While it's early days under Taylor's leadership, addressing defensive vulnerabilities and finding ways to counter rivals like Everton will be crucial. As the WSL season unfolds, both teams will look to build on or recover from this defining Merseyside derby result, with fans eagerly watching how this rivalry shapes their respective journeys.