30th August 2003
EVERTON (0) 0
LIVERPOOL (1) 3 (Owen 38, 52, Kewell 79)
EVERTON: Wright; Pistone, Stubbs, Unsworth (Gravesen), Yobo; Watson, Pembridge, Linderoth (Ferguson), Naysmith; Rooney, Radzinski
LIVERPOOL: Dudek; Biscan, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan; Smicer, Gerrard, Kewell; Diouf, Owen, Baros
The 2003-04 season was only two weeks old when these two heavyweights clashed at Goodison. Liverpool had yet to register a win in their three league outings so far this season. Everton had a win, loss and draw under their belts.
Everton could consider themselves unlucky in this game although Liverpool’s finishing was far more clinical and ultimately, that’s what made the difference. Steven Gerrard was immense in this game, driving his side forward and encouraging Smicer, Kewell and Diouf to have their better performances in a red shirt. Rooney had chances for the home side but was probably short of match fitness to make a telling contribution.
Seven minutes before half-time and Michael Owen finally broke the deadlock. Kewell played a through ball for Owen to run onto and he deftly touched it past Simonsen and then rolled it in off a post. That gave the visitors a half-time lead and then seven minutes into the second half and Owen had doubled his, and his side’s, lead. Baros was involved this time and Owen finished in style to grab his second when he’d hardly had more chances up to that point.
Rooney had chances immediately after each of Owen’s strikes and Ferguson curled a free-kick against the underside of the bar to frustrate the home fans further. Then as the game moved towards its final 10 minutes, Simonsen came out to try and thwart Owen but the England striker’s cross found Kewell who drove past the despairing Naysmith on the line. It was Kewell’s first goal for Liverpool and crowned a fine win. Liverpool manager, Gerard Houllier became the first Liverpool manager to win four times in a row at Goodison Park.
Liverpool ended the season 4th with Everton struggling again down in 17th.