Best Aussie Moments in Liverpool Derbies
Over time, Aussie footballers have made their mark in the famous Merseyside derby. This matchup between Liverpool and Everton is one of the biggest in English football. It has a rich history and has given us some unforgettable moments. A few Australians have had big parts in this fierce rivalry. Best Aussie Moments in Liverpool Derbies.
With the next derby coming up, and it being the last one at Goodison Park, Optus Sport looks back at some memorable Aussie performances in this epic matchup.
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Kewell’s Goal Seals the Win for Liverpool
Harry Kewell had a lot of talent and helped Liverpool win the Champions League and FA Cup. But he faced a lot of injuries too. Still, he had his shining moments in the Merseyside derby.
His first goal for Liverpool happened in a 2003 derby, where he also assisted a goal. But his best moment was in 2006 during a tough match without Liverpool’s captain, Steven Gerrard, who got a red card.
With Liverpool leading 2-1, Kewell scored a stunning goal from 25 yards out. He switched the ball to his left foot and launched a rocket shot into the top corner, stunning Everton’s defense.
Interestingly, another Aussie, Tim Cahill, also scored for Everton in that match.
Cahill Scores Against Liverpool in 2010
Tim Cahill loved scoring in Merseyside derbies. He found the net five times against Liverpool while playing for Everton. One time that stood out was in 2010, when Liverpool was having a rough season.
At this point, Liverpool was trying to settle under new ownership and was even in the relegation zone before the derby. Everton took advantage of Liverpool’s struggles.
Cahill opened the scoring with a powerful shot into the top of the net. The crowd at Goodison Park went wild. Mikel Arteta added another goal, and Everton won 2-0, leaving Liverpool in 19th place.
This was Everton’s last derby win for 11 years and their last home victory in 13 years. It’s still a special memory for Everton fans, with Cahill being a key player in their win.
Craig Johnston’s Goal in the FA Cup Final
Craig Johnston was a pioneer for Aussie footballers. He was the first Aussie to win a league title and the European Cup with Liverpool. But one of his best moments came in the 1986 FA Cup final.
Back then, Liverpool and Everton were the top teams. Their final clash was unforgettable. Everton scored first through Gary Lineker, but Ian Rush equalized for Liverpool. Best Aussie Moments in Liverpool Derbies.
Johnston’s moment came in the second half. When Kenny Dalglish sent the ball across the box, Johnston snuck in to tap it in. That goal put Liverpool ahead 2-1.
With that, he made history as the first Australian to score in an FA Cup final and the first Aussie to win it. Johnston played 190 games for Liverpool and became a fan favorite, cementing his spot in the club’s history.
Brad Jones’ Close Call in a Dramatic Derby
Goalkeeper Brad Jones played in two Merseyside derbies, and both were intense. One was a FA Cup semi-final in 2012, and the other was a Premier League match later that year.
In that league match, Jones almost made a big mistake, thinking Liverpool had scored a late winner.
We thought we’d won it, but it got flagged for offside, Jones said on Optus Sport’s Takes from the Terrace.
I started celebrating, and then I saw the flag. I thought, ‘Oh no, I’m out of position!’ So I yelled for Steven Gerrard to hurry back, just in case Everton took a quick free-kick.
Fortunately for Jones, Everton didn’t score, but Liverpool ended up frustrated with a 2-2 draw.
Conclusion
The Merseyside derby is always full of action and history. Aussie footballers have played their part in this rivalry. From Kewell’s stunning goal to Cahill’s game-winner, and Johnston’s FA Cup moment to Jones’ close call, Aussies have made their mark.
As the last derby at Goodison Park nears, fans are eager for more unforgettable moments in this historic matchup.
