When Andy Johnson and Tim Cahill were the pride of Everton

We're having a throwback to September 2006.

This was a time when the mood at Goodison Park was very different. When the 'big clubs' visited Everton at that point, the Toffees usually expected to cause a shock.

Author - Sarah W 

Do you remember when Everton played Liverpool in 2006? Andy Johnson and Tim Cahill were outstanding for the Toffees. eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/search/label... youtu.be/lMQtkPJd634?...

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— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 6 December 2024 at 14:18

This resounding 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the September 2006 Merseyside derby was their biggest derby triumph in 42 years. It was achieved with a clinical performance and solid defensive organisation.

Let's have a closer look at what happened.

Tim Cahill opened the scoring after 23 minutes, capitalising on a loose ball to slot home from close range. Just 12 minutes later, Andrew Johnson doubled Everton’s lead. He pounced on a defensive error by Jamie Carragher, coolly finishing past Pepe Reina as Liverpool's backline faltered under pressure.

Liverpool created plenty of chances but couldn’t find a way through. Steven Gerrard came close with a couple of efforts, including one that clipped the outside of the post. Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard also made crucial saves, notably denying Robbie Fowler and substitute Dirk Kuyt.

Steve Finnan nearly brought Liverpool back into contention just after the hour when he capitalized on a corner that was only half-cleared by Everton, striking the ball just inches wide from 20 yards out.

Liverpool did continue to dominate possession but they only really created a couple of clear chances. The red side of Merseyside just knew that this wasn't their day. 

The Toffees sealed the win in injury time when Reina spilt Lee Carsley’s shot, leaving Johnson with a simple header to secure his second goal. The jubilant home crowd celebrated an emphatic derby victory.

This result will be remembered as one of the great Merseyside derby performances by Everton, showcasing their determination and attacking sharpness in front of goal.

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We had a catch up with people that were there

James L said: "Probably one of my favourite days as an Everton fan. We were so good. At that point, we arguably made the top 4 become a top 5. It's just a shame that we didn't qualify for the Champions League again or win a trophy. However, all Everton fans will remember this match fondly. When we look back at the last 30 years of Goodison Park, this is the match that will be in everyone's top 5 moments."

Callum, another Everton fan, added: "That win over Liverpool back is still one of my favourite memories as an Everton fan. David Moyes had us playing with such grit and organisation, and it felt like everything clicked that day. What made it sweeter was how solid we looked. This was a Liverpool side that, for all their faults, was always guaranteed to finish in the top 4 during that period."