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The Merseyside Derby in the Barclays Women’s Super League rarely disappoints, but this clash at Prenton Park belonged firmly to Everton. Brian Sørensen’s side produced a ruthless attacking display, capitalising on defensive lapses from Liverpool to secure a statement 4-1 victory. Goals from Ornella Vignola, Katja Snoeijs, and a commanding midfield display from Karen Holmgaard powered the Toffees past their rivals, leaving Matt Beard’s Reds with plenty of questions to answer.
Match Statistics
| Statistics | Liverpool | Everton |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.17 | 0.86 |
| Total Shots | 10 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 5 |
| Big Chances | 3 | 1 |
| Big Chances Missed | 3 | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 414 (81%) | 360 (78%) |
| Corners | 4 | 3 |
| Fouls Committed | 5 | 11 |
| Offsides | 1 | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Tackles Won | 6 | 7 |
| Interceptions | 7 | 17 |
| Clearances | 14 | 20 |
| Keeper Saves | 1 | 1 |
| Duels Won | 41 | 30 |
| Ground Duels Won | 31 (57%) | 23 (43%) |
| Aerial Duels Won | 10 (59%) | 7 (41%) |
| Successful Dribbles | 5 (42%) | 4 (44%) |
Match Flow & Key Moments
12’ – Liverpool Strike First Marie-Therese Höbinger’s vision carved open Everton, threading a pass to Cornelia Kapocs, who rifled a composed finish into the roof of the net. The Reds had momentum, with Enderby and Holland threatening soon after.
24’ – Vignola’s Quick Response Everton hit back immediately through Ornella Vignola, finishing calmly after a swift counter led by Hayley Ladd. That goal swung the derby’s tempo.
49’ – Snoeijs Turns the Tide Right after the restart, Mayumi Pacheco’s pinpoint cross found Katja Snoeijs, who buried her header to give Everton the lead. Liverpool’s defensive line looked rattled.
54’ & 56’ – Vignola’s Brace Seals It The forward’s aerial dominance punished Liverpool again, heading home for 3-1 before adding a clinical left-footed strike minutes later for her second.
Liverpool did hit the post twice through Holland and van Gool, but Everton’s discipline and counterattacking edge shut down any hopes of a comeback.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Matt Beard’s side tried to build through Nagano and Kerr, but too often their midfield was bypassed by Everton’s aggressive pressing. Höbinger was the creative spark, but Liverpool lacked runners to exploit her passing range. Defensively, Bonner and Fisk struggled to track Vignola’s movement in wide-to-central channels.
Everton (4-2-3-1) Sørensen adjusted cleverly at half-time, introducing Holmgaard and Wheeler to regain midfield control. Pacheco’s overlapping runs down the left stretched Liverpool, while Vignola and Snoeijs punished every lapse. Everton’s xG may have been lower, but their chance quality and finishing were ruthless.
Player of the Match: Ornella Vignola (Everton) Two goals, constant pressing, and relentless movement the forward epitomised Everton’s derby dominance. Her intelligent positioning between the lines tore Liverpool apart, making her the undoubted standout performer.
Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Kirby; Evans, Bonner, Fisk, Woodham (Shimizu 88’); Kerr, Nagano (Maclean 64’); Kapocs (Olsson 64’), Höbinger (Haug 81’), Holland; Enderby.
Everton (4-2-3-1): Brosnan; Ishikawa, Fernandez (Mace 46’), Pacheco, Payne (80’); Hayashi (Wheeler 46’), Ladd (Holmgaard 46’); Robinson (46’), van Gool, Momiki; Snoeijs (Payne 80’).
For Liverpool, this derby defeat will sting. They created moments but lacked the defensive structure and composure to turn pressure into points. For Everton, this was a landmark performance efficient, ruthless, and tactically intelligent. With Vignola and Snoeijs in sparkling form, the Toffees laid down a marker for the rest of their WSL campaign.
