Liverpool

BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been reminiscing on the 4-4 thriller that took place between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park in the 1991 FA Cup fifth round.

After a goalless first meeting at Anfield, the Merseyside rivals played out an exhilarating draw, which ended up being Kenny Dalglish's final match before resigning as manager of the Reds.

Substitute Tony Cottee's equaliser six minutes from the end of extra time secured a draw for the hosts after they fought back from a goal down four times.

The second replay, also at Goodison, finished 1-0 to the Toffees - the last FA Cup tie to go to multiple replays before a rule change the following season limited ties to one replay.

"It was an absolutely wild game because Liverpool led four times and Everton pulled them back four times," McNulty said.

"Liverpool scored some absolutely wonderful goals, some strange goals, people clearing the ball off the line and it flying back in.

"Every time you thought Liverpool had won the game there would be some calamity in their defence that bought Everton back into it. It was an incredible game of football.

"I remember walking away from that and people from our vintage were saying they had never seen anything like it.

"It was an absolutely wild night of football. I remember it like it was yesterday because we had never seen a derby like it, with goals being exchanged like that.

"Then obviously there were the events after it with Kenny resigning a couple of days later."

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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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On Wednesday, I am going to cover Celtic v Bayern Munich and the first things to pack are my special noise-cancelling headphones.

They do not kill all the noise as the decibels go above danger levels, but at least I will be able to hear my colleague, Ian Dennis, as he commentates alongside me.

It will be a phenomenal night, but even so I will be torn.

There is another game being played at the same time that will certainly run it close in terms of noise, passion and emotion.

My old club, Everton, play the last derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park before their move next season.

Part of my heart will be there, remembering all the great derbies at that beautiful old ground. If I had to pick one game to stand for them all, it would be one I played in: the 4-4 after extra time cup draw back in February 1991.

Under floodlights and with the pitch packed with phenomenal, world-class players, it was an extraordinary, action-packed night and one that no-one who saw it will ever forget.

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Former Everton forward Danny Cadamarteri has been recalling scoring as an 18-year-old in a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Cadamarteri scored the second late on in a 2-0 win over Liverpool.

"I just remember over the course of the game I had been close to nicking a few off Bjorn Tore Kvarme and he took a chance on the ball at times," he told BBC Radio Merseyside's Phil Munns.

"He was a cultured international player who probably thought he was a little bit better than he was and wanted more time on the ball.

"I thought: 'I'm going to keep pressing him and I might catch him out.' The ball has been cleared, he's taken a chance and I've pinched the ball off him. If there was VAR they might have brought it back...

"I broke towards goal, got my head up and saw David James in the net. I'm charging towards him - then, out of the corner of my eye, I see Neil Ruddock charging across at full tilt and I'm thinking he's going to hit me. I've then shifted my attention from scoring a goal to avoiding a steam-juggernaut train hitting me full tilt!

"I chopped the ball across him because he was off balance. At that moment James stepped across and the goal opened up. I got my head down, hard and low, drilled it bottom corner and the Park End absolutely erupted. It gives me goosebumps now thinking about it.

"It's amazing memories. That game meant so much to the Evertonians. It showed the dogs of war effect, fighting for the badge."

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Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Liverpool's match against Everton on Wednesday - the last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.

"I haven't been to one, but people tell me that it is always a fantastic atmosphere at Goodison Park," Slot said.

"It's not an easy atmosphere to platy against - every time they cross the halfway line or get a corner kick, the fans will cheer for that. You have to be mentally strong as the away team to resist all that.

"I assume that our players are ready for another battle."

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Liverpool (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Left-back Vitaly Mykolenko could be available after returning to training on Tuesday.

• On taking charge of another Merseyside derby, which will be the final one played at Goodison Park: "It's been a while since my last one, they've always been difficult games. Liverpool have always been a tough opponent. At Goodison it always felt a lot easier because of the support behind us. I think this game will be no different."

• Asked to recall memories of his first derbies in charge of Everton, Moyes said: "It was a different time and we were probably just getting ourselves back into being competitive as a Premier League club. I think the gap between the two teams at the moment is probably as big as it has been for a long time. I have to try to bridge the gap and start bringing the two clubs closer together."

• Moyes was asked if he had a message for Everton fans before Wednesday's match: "They have been fantastic since I've come back. Goodison has always had a really difficult, intimidating atmosphere and is a difficult place to play. I've had some great nights here as a manager and I hope I've got some more still to come. The supporters have always played a huge part. They've had a difficult period but hopefully they can see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel."

• On whether he will need to remind players to contain the emotions given the occasion: "The players now are much more aware of how refereeing is nowadays, but let's be fair - it's part of why you're building the game up. You want it to be built up to be emotional and explosive at times, that's part of derby games. I'm a football supporter and that's what I want when I go and watch. You want to see people being competitive, action and it mattering to the team you support."

• On Liverpool: "They had a fantastic coach in Jurgen Klopp who made Liverpool so good over many years. Most people would be amazed how well Arne Slot has done, coming in after Jurgen, but he's done a great job. That's hard to say when you're in this seat [as Everton manager]. He looks as if he's done it very smoothly and he's got the team playing well."

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Before Wednesday's final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, we've taken a look at five Liverpool victories over Everton at the old stadium during the Premier League era.

Everton 2-3 Liverpool, 16 April 2001

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One of the great derbies settled by one of the great derby goals. There had been four goals, two penalties - one missed - 12 yellow cards and a sending off when Gary McAllister stepped up to take a stoppage-time free-kick 45 yards from goal with the score locked at 2-2. The former Scotland international curled a wonderful effort into the near post to spark scenes of wild celebrations among the Liverpool fans.

Everton 1-3 Liverpool, 15 September 2001

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A 21-year-old Steven Gerrard provided an iconic derby-day goal and celebration when he equalised after Kevin Campbell's early opener. Gerrard shifted the ball past Gary Naysmith and crashed a stunning strike into the far top corner before sprinting away down the touchline in front of the Everton fans with his hand cupping his ear. A Michael Owen penalty and John Arne Riise's solo run and finish sealed a comfortable victory which will be remembered for Gerrard's virtuoso display.

Everton 0-3 Liverpool, 30 August 2003

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A first Liverpool goal for Harry Kewell and a first win of the season for under-pressure manager Gerrard Houllier were the headlines from a derby-day demolition in 2003. Kewell's arrival that summer from Leeds was the source of much excitement, only enhanced by him capping a fine performance with a late third. Owen found the net twice to complete the scoring as a young Wayne Rooney saw several efforts saved by Jerzy Dudek.

Everton 0-1 Liverpool, 19 December 2016

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Sometimes the unconvincing, scrappy wins can be the sweetest. A tempestuous derby was settled deep into stoppage time with a goal that matched the game. Summer signing Sadio Mane reacted first to a loose ball after substitute Daniel Sturridge's shot had hit the post to send the away fans into raptures.

Everton 1-4 Liverpool, 1 December 2021

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Liverpool turned up the pressure on former Anfield boss Rafael Benitez by dismantling his Everton side with a devastating attacking display. Jordan Henderson and Diogo Jota struck either side of a Mohamed Salah double with Goodison Park becoming mutinous as Benitez - already unpopular from his history with the Reds - felt the wrath of the home crowd.

And now it's over to you...

We stuck to the Premier League era for the five above, but there are so many more standout games - the incredible 4-4 draw in the FA Cup in 1991 that led to the resignation of Reds boss Kenny Dalglish and the 5-0 win in 1982 when Ian Rush scored four to name just two.

So we want your pictures, stories and memories of the notable moments from this fixture down the years. Get in touch here

Before Wednesday's final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, we've taken a look at five Everton victories over Liverpool at the old stadium during the Premier League era.

Everton 2-0 Liverpool, 21 November 1994

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Everton were bottom of the Premier League when they welcomed fourth-placed Liverpool in November 1994. Having sacked Mike Walker after the club's then worst start to a league season, Joe Royle oversaw the sweetest of new manager bounces. Second-half goals from Duncan Ferguson - a loan signing later made permanent - and Paul Rideout late on secured a famous Goodison win.

Everton 1-0 Liverpool, 11 December 2004

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David Moyes will take charge of his 23rd Merseyside derby as Everton manager on Wednesday and will be hoping for a similar result to the meeting he oversaw in 2004. The Toffees tasted derby day victory for the first time in five years with Lee Carsley's long-range strike securing a nervy 1-0 win. At the time, it moved Moyes' side 12 points clear of their city rivals.

Everton 3-0 Liverpool, 9 September 2006

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A double from Andy Johnson after Tim Cahill's opener secured Everton's biggest derby win for 42 years in September 2006. Johnson's second late on to seal the victory was notable for a remarkable piece of goalkeeping by Pepe Reina, who essentially threw the ball up for the striker to head in on the goalline.

Everton 1-0 Liverpool, 4 February 2009

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Scenes of jubilation for Everton fans in Goodison Park, scenes of confusion for watching live on ITV. When Dan Gosling fired home a dramatic winner two minutes from the end of extra time, the broadcaster had cut to an advertising break, switching back to live coverage in time to capture wild celebrations as the Toffees reached the FA Cup fifth round.

Everton 2-0 Liverpool, 24 April 2024

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"You lost the league at Goodison Park", was the chant gleefully ringing round the stadium after a dominant win all but ended Liverpool's Premier League title bid in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge. Jarrad Branthwaite's strike and a towering header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave Everton their first home Merseyside derby win since October 2010 amid a thunderous atmosphere under the lights.

Pick your favourite of the above derby wins here

And now it's over to you...

We stuck to the Premier League era for the five above, but there are so many more standout games - the incredible 4-4 draw in the FA Cup in 1991 that led to the resignation of Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, Everton's first derby win for seven years in 1978, and ending Liverpool's unbeaten record in 1988 to name just three.

So we want your pictures, stories and memories of the notable moments from this fixture down the years. Get in touch here

BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

James asked: Do you think Everton can spring a surprise and beat Liverpool? Wouldn't it be magical if Everton could win the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park?

Phil answered: Of course they can. Whether they will is another matter because Liverpool have been outstanding in the Premier League this season and are deservedly leaders.

Everton beat Liverpool at Goodison late last season and it will be a special occasion as the last derby at the great old stadium.

And Everton are now in much better shape since David Moyes' return as manager. It will be a tough assignment, but Everton have gained belief from those three successive league wins and must hope confidence is not knocked after going out of the FA Cup to Bournemouth.

• Not an Everton fan? Find your team's page here

Read more of Phil's Q&A and the rest of Tuesday's football news on our daily live page

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game at Everton - the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Trent Alexander-Arnold did a partial training session on Monday and will be assessed on his availability after training on Tuesday.

• Fellow defender Joe Gomez is unavailable, with Slot confirming he has an injury to the same leg he was previously sidelined with.

• On whether the FA Cup defeat at Plymouth Argyle should inspire a strong Merseyside derby performance: "It should have an impact because if you work at a club like this you should compete for every trophy. To lose against Plymouth is unacceptable. The performance was far from Liverpool's standard."

• He said it being the last derby at Goodison will be "an extra reason why the atmosphere will be even better than the occasions before", so his players "have to be strong to resist it [the home noise] and stay focused".

• On how his players will deal with that: "You have to be as calm as you can. It's not the first time for these players to be playing in an atmosphere like this, but you have to stand up to these emotions. I presume our players are ready for another battle like they have been all season."

• He said he wants to see "cool heads but not cool legs" to match Everton's intensity.

• On their opponents' form since David Moyes took over: "I am aware of the fact that he has taken charge of four games and won three. That is a great accomplishment and they are in a better place than they were."

• In response to whether the next block of fixtures will define their season: "No because this period of five games in 15 days is what we have done all season. All stages of the season are crucial. You cannot slow down or a have a few games when you're not on top of the game because teams will catch you. That is why it is the most exciting league. It is the hardest league to win."

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We asked for your views on what's the one thing going on at Liverpool that is being overlooked.

Here are some of your comments:

Mohammed: The main thing that goes unnoticed is Cody Gakpo's performances. There are some people that are saying he's playing well - but he's playing way better than that. Why isn't that emphasised enough? Every game he plays, I just know he's going to pull a big performance to help us win.

Brian: Fixture congestion. It's mentioned, but never actually addressed. Isn't it more than a little ridiculous to expect clubs to turn a first XI, plus subs, out every three days for a sustained period? We need to find another way around having our top teams active in four major tournaments every year.

Yusuf: One thing that has been going under the radar is the improvement in Conor Bradley. He has been giving some crucial assists in games as a starter for Liverpool. At only 21 years old, I definitely think he has potential to become a huge part of their defence.

David: Why are we persevering with Federico Chiesa, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez? They put in the effort but are too wasteful. Diogo Jota is a great player when fit and not recovering from injuries, but we desperately need to find players who can score more often. As for the players who have not extended their contracts, we have to assume by now that they are moving on - so we need to find replacements for them. We are letting players leave for nothing when we could have got some return on them. It doesn't make any sense because the amount of changes will hamper us next season.

Eug D: With so much contract talk about, why is no-one talking about Caoimhin Kelleher? We should be trying to keep him, so get his contract sorted so he doesn't want to leave.

Robel: The team's lack of quality depth in certain areas has been covered by the relatively successful results so far. One injury to Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch or Diogo Jota, means the next cover is significantly a step down. Our season can be derailed with just two major injuries.

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Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton says the postponement of the Merseyside derby in December "has really helped Everton".

The Toffees were struggling for form under Sean Dyche but now go into the final Goodison Park derby on a run of three straight league wins under David Moyes.

"David has come in and revitalised them," Houghton told Goodison's Greatest Derbies, a special edition of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "All of a sudden, there's a different way of thinking about their game.

"If they had played it when they should have, with the way Everton were playing, there would have only been one conclusion - a Liverpool victory.

"Now Evertonians are really looking forward to the game. They're going into it with a lot of optimism, belief and confidence. That's down to the past few results they have got.

"David has come in and just given them a bit more belief. It's the same group of players but they just have a different voice. A few tweaks here and there and they look free-flowing, they're scoring goals and everything is looking good.

"The Everton fans are saying 'bring on Liverpool' and there aren't many saying that about playing Liverpool at the moment.

"I can't wait for it. I think it will be an absolute cracker. I'm sure it will be a fabulous occasion."

Listen to Goodison's Greatest Derbies on BBC Sounds

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Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton has recalled his winning goal in the 1988 FA Cup fifth round against Everton as the Merseyside rivals prepare for the final Goodison Park derby on Wednesday.

"Goodison is an iconic old stadium. I will be sad when it goes," Houghton told Goodison's Greatest Derbies, a special edition of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Too many of the old stadiums we're not seeing any more and we're losing a little bit of the history and the atmosphere.

"It is such a tight, compact ground you can virtually feel the fans on top of you when you run down the wings. If you were an away player going to Goodison, the home crowd would tell you if you were doing good, bad or indifferent.

"It was a unique place to go. It is a great place to win or to go there on your debut like I did.

"It wasn't a particularly good game. I don't think either side did themselves justice. I was fortunate enough to score the only goal with what I would call a classic header.

"It was a tremendous feeling and to come off after the game with the victory and to have the bragging rights for the next couple of weeks was brilliant."

Listen to Goodison's Greatest Derbies on BBC Sounds

As we head into the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, we want your memories, stories and pictures from the standout moments down the years. Get in touch here

Any quadruple talk was ended by a much-changed Liverpool being knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship strugglers Plymouth at the weekend - but Arne Slot's side are still in the hunt for silverware on three fronts.

Is there anything flying under the radar at Anfield at the moment?

You know the Reds best, so we want you to tell us the one thing - good or bad - that no-one is talking about but really should be.

Let us know here