Ornella Vignola’s stunning hat-trick on her Everton debut powered the Toffees to a 4-1 victory over Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. Despite an initial lead from Liverpool’s Cornelia Kapocs, Vignola’s goals, coupled with Katja Snoeijs’ header, secured a memorable win for Everton, extending Liverpool’s winless run in the derby.
Anfield witnessed a sensational Women’s Super League (WSL) debut as Ornella Vignola's hat-trick propelled Everton to a resounding 4-1 victory over Liverpool in a pulsating Merseyside derby. The match, played under torrential rain, saw Everton overturn an early deficit to dominate their rivals, extending Liverpool's winless streak in this historic fixture to eight games.
Liverpool, under new management, hoped for a change in fortunes, but Everton's summer signings proved too strong. Cornelia Kapocs had initially given the home side a deserved lead, but Vignola’s brilliance sparked a remarkable comeback. The visitors demonstrated their enhanced squad depth and tactical prowess, leaving Liverpool struggling to contain their dynamic attack.
The first half was a tale of two phases. Liverpool started brightly, capitalizing on their early dominance with Kapocs' stunning strike. Marie Höbinger’s incisive pass set Kapocs free, who unleashed a fierce shot that deflected off the underside of the crossbar. The hosts nearly doubled their advantage moments later, but Everton's goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan, produced a spectacular save to deny Gemma Bonner's header from Höbinger's free-kick.
Against the run of play, Everton found an equalizer through Vignola. After Hayley Ladd cleared a Liverpool corner, Vignola surged forward from her own half, unleashing an unstoppable angled shot that nestled into the net. The momentum shifted decisively, and Everton capitalized on their newfound confidence. Just before the break, Maz Pacheco delivered a precise cross from the left, met by Katja Snoeijs, whose header slipped past Liverpool’s goalkeeper Faye Kirby, giving Everton a 2-1 lead.
At halftime, Everton manager Brian Sørensen made strategic substitutions, introducing Karen Holmgaard, Clare Wheeler, and Ruby Mace. The changes paid immediate dividends as Everton seized control of the midfield and dictated the tempo. Vignola continued her sensational performance, scoring two goals in quick succession. Her second goal came from a powerful header, once again from a Pacheco cross, and she completed her hat-trick with a composed finish after slicing through the Liverpool defense.
Liverpool, despite their efforts, struggled to regain their footing. The absence of Olivia Smith, who was sold for £1m, was palpable. Liverpool coach Gareth Taylor has been unable to fill the void left by her departure. While new signing Lily Woodham started, and Sam Kerr featured in midfield after making her move permanent, they couldn't stem the tide.
Everton’s victory highlighted the impact of their new signings. Rion Ishikawa solidified the defense, Rosa van Gool provided stability in midfield, and Vignola led the attack with devastating effect. The attendance of nearly 12,000 fans added to the electric atmosphere at Anfield, witnessing a memorable start to Everton's season.
As the final whistle blew, there was jubilation in the Everton camp, while Liverpool were left to ponder their shortcomings. Gareth Taylor faces the task of revitalizing his team before their crucial encounter with Leicester next weekend. For Everton, this victory marks a significant milestone in their WSL campaign, setting a high standard for the season ahead.