Liverpool FC Women suffered defeat in Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield, losing 1-0 to Everton Women who secured their first win of the WSL campaign.

While the home side started the game very well, they were unable to convert following an early effort from Missy Bo Kearns that was contriversially ruled offside.

Reds boss Matt Beard changed his the formation in the second half to try and influence the game but it was Brian Sorensen’s team that was celebrating at the end.

Mersey Sport Live was at Anfield where over 23,000 supporters watched the derby. Below are some of the key take aways from the game >>>

Will Sophie Roman Haug settle into this Liverpool FC squad?

The Merseyside derby marked Roman Haug’s competitive debut for the Reds and you couldn’t have picked a bigger game to make such a strong impact as your first appearance. Sophie hasn’t featured yet this season due to a facial injury she picked up on international duty for Norway. The forward played just 61 minutes in the defeat to Everton but still received praise from Matt Beard who is confident she can have a good impact at the club.

Can Everton turn their poor start to the season around after a win at Anfield?

The Toffee’s have had one of their worst starts to a campaign, but they could be on track to turn it around after their big Merseyside derby win. Brian Sorensen’s side were yet to pick any points up so far this season having lost their first two WSL matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City. This win at Anfield sees them currently sitting in eighth place. Just two points behind Manchester United who they face next.

Missy Bo Kearns had a goal controversially ruled out at Anfield / Photo: Hana Basir

Would it be the right decision to introduce VAR into the WSL?

After Liverpool’s goal within the first few minutes was disallowed for offside Matt Beard had described Missy Bo Kearns effort as “a perfectly good goal.” As much as there is a lot of controversy around the technology, especially within football, WSL managers are in favour of having goal-line technology and VAR placed in the top division of women’s football.

Should defender Megan Finnigan be a goal threat throughout this season?

Having played all three matches in the WSL this season Finnigan is Everton’s top goal scorer on two goals. This may not seem like a lot so early in the season having played 270 minutes this campaign, but she could play a huge part in scoring for her side.

What does Liverpool need to do to beat Everton?

The Reds would have come into the Merseyside derby full of confidence and most likely the as favourities due to the recent form of the two clubs this season. However, when it comes to huge derby games, form goes out of the window due to the sheer emotion in these matches. Matt Beard’s side will want to get revenge at Goodison Park in March having not beaten the Toffees since 2019.

 

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