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Everton break Anfield curse with 1st win at Liverpool in 22 years

Emma Simpson - Everton FC / Everton FC / Getty

After 22 years, the wait is finally over.

Everton beat Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in the 21st century on Saturday, winning 2-0 after Richarlison's early goal and Gylfi Sigurdsson's late penalty.

The Toffees hadn't recorded a win at their rivals' home since September 1999, when Kevin Campbell's fourth-minute strike led to a 1-0 victory.

The Reds, meanwhile, slumped to a fourth consecutive league defeat at Anfield. It's their worst run at home since 1923.

Making matters worse, Liverpool lost captain Jordan Henderson to injury midway through the first half.

Liverpool controlled more than 70% possession, but Everton defended well and embattled goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made six saves to preserve the shutout.

"It's an amazing feeling (after) coming here all those years and letting ourselves and, more importantly, letting the blue side of the city down," said Everton captain Seamus Coleman.

"It's been hard. We can try and brush it off, but basically I've been in the city for 10 years, it has been difficult to take. You feel sorry for the fans.

"(I was) fed up with coming out with the same cliches after losing."

Richarlison set the tone in the third minute with an opportunistic finish off a perfect defense-splitting pass from James Rodriguez. It was the second-fastest goal Everton have ever scored against Liverpool, only trailing Olivier Dacourt's first-minute tally in April 1999.

That was only the beginning of a troubling evening for Jurgen Klopp and Co. The Liverpool manager could only grimace as Henderson fell to the ground at the half-hour mark with what appeared to be a non-contact injury.

With less than 20 minutes remaining, substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin drew a penalty that Sigurdsson dispatched to clinch a historic result.

Everton are now tied on 40 points with Liverpool, who are only ahead on goal difference. Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti's side has a game in hand.

"We are fighting for Europe and now we are in a good position," added Ancelotti. "This kind of performance helps improve the belief of the team."

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