Everton's victory saw them claim a first league double over Liverpool since 2012
Everton claimed just their second away win of the season as Katja Snoeijs and Karen Holmgaard struck to earn a Women's Super League derby double against neighbours Liverpool.
After just six minutes at Anfield, Snoeijs combined well with strike partner Kelly Gago on the edge of the box before arrowing a low drive past Rachael Laws at the Kop end.
Full-back Karen Holmgaard popped up at the back post to double the visitors' lead with 20 minutes remaining, after Toni Payne had embarked on a weaving run down the left.
Although Liverpool applied plenty of pressure, their opponents refused to buckle.
The majority of the crowd had arrived with hopes of seeing Liverpool claim a first league derby win since May 2019, but Everton's stubborn rearguard had other ideas, just as they did in November's 1-0 home victory at Goodison Park.
Captain Taylor Hinds went close to a Liverpool leveller midway through the first half, but her dipping shot from distance hit the crossbar and went behind.
Liverpool picked up where they left off after the break as they chased a goal, forcing Toffees stopper Courtney Brosnan into several smart saves, before Everton doubled their lead through Holmgaard.
It was a mixed day in the Holmgaard household as Karen's sister Sara received a second yellow card and subsequent red inside the final 10 minutes for bringing down Olivia Smith as she threatened to break free.
However, the visitors held out to claim a first win in six games and move to two points behind fifth-placed Liverpool in the table.
Everton bounce back to continue WSL derby dominance
Liverpool have failed to win any of their last seven WSL meetings with Everton, drawing two and losing five
Having watched his side beaten by a stoppage-time goal at home against Brighton last time out, Everton boss Brian Sorensen spoke of wanting to bounce back to winning ways in the Merseyside derby.
The Toffees have had a rotten time of it on the road this season, winning just once away from Walton Hall Park and Goodison all term before this short trip.
Now they can celebrate a first league double over the Reds since 2012.
Snoeijs and Gago's wonderful interplay allowed them to capitalise on Jenna Clark's poor throw-in to land a huge early blow.
Everton then sat in and frustrated Liverpool, with goalkeeper Brosnan proving key once again to a fifth clean sheet of the campaign.
Although they came under several intense periods of pressure as Liverpool chased a way back into the game, Everton crucially remained deadly on the break.
Holmgaard's strike was just Everton's second attempt on target of the afternoon and put the result beyond reasonable doubt, sapping the home crowd's remaining energy.
Victory continues Everton's dominance in WSL meetings with Liverpool, stretching their unbeaten run to seven matches since May 2019.
The Reds dominated almost every metric - shots, shots on target, expected goals and possession - but the Blues edged the only one that really mattered thanks to their goals.
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