Match reportCeri Holland scores twice as Liverpool win WSL derby at Everton
The Reds struck three times in the opening half of Saturday's game, including a penalty, though saw captain Grace Fisk dismissed shortly after the hour mark.
A Martina Fernandez own goal provided Liverpool's other effort, while Aurora Galli's deflected free-kick and a Zara Kramzar finish in stoppage time saw the hosts get on the scoresheet.
Gareth Taylor opted to bring Fuka Nagano and Risa Shimizu straight back into his starting line-up following their recent Women's Asian Cup triumph.
The Reds started on the front foot from kick-off to dominate early proceedings at Goodison Park.
Kirsty Maclean was the first to get a clear shot on goal, working goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan for the first time with a high shot after a Beata Olsson cutback.
Mia Enderby then saw an effort blocked from in close after Holland's cross from the left caused a scramble inside the area.
Liverpool, though, had the lead their play thoroughly deserved after 10 minutes.
Jenna Clark guided a header onto the post from a corner kick and as the Reds recycled the ball and continued to pressure their hosts, Fisk's hook back inside the box struck a raised defensive hand.
As a result, Liverpool were awarded a penalty kick, with Holland stepping up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and earn the early advantage.
Everton attempted a response, but it was the Reds who added again to the scoreline thanks to a swift move forward.
Liverpool broke and the ball found Alejandra Bernabe on the left, who produced an inviting delivery into the area that was inadvertently headed into her own net by Fernandez.
Shimizu, Fisk and goalkeeper Jennifer Falk were all had to intervene during several dangerous crosses into the area from the Blues.
Inma Gabarro also shot over the bar for the home side, though it was Liverpool again who scored ahead of the half-time break.
It was Holland once more who struck her second of the afternoon, picking up the ball to drive out of her own half thanks to a clever flick by Olsson that released her run.
The attacker sprinted forward, drove into the box and picked out the top corner of the net with a fine solo strike.
Everton signalled the first threat of the second half, forcing Fisk into another clearance in the area following a ball from the left, while Clark blocked an effort away and Ornella Vignola shot wide from distance.
Fisk also threatened in the opposite box. However, the captain could only work her free header straight at goalkeeper Brosnan.
The Blues got themselves on the scoresheet just after the hour mark as Galli's free-kick from around 20 yards deflected off the defensive wall and into the net with Falk wrong-footed.
Moments later, Fisk was sent off after picking up a second bookable offence, leaving Liverpool to protect the advantage with 10 players.
Everton pushed on in their bid to cut the Reds' lead further, but it was Clark who again threatened as her header was cleared off the line at a corner ball.
The Blues upped their pressure in the closing stages, volleying wide via Mayumi Pacheco, before hitting the bar through Kramzar.
In added time, the forward did get her goal to set up a nervy finish, with Kramzar taking down the ball from a cross inside the area to fire past Falk and haul Everton to within one.
Liverpool, though, held firm and defended resolutely to claim all three points despite a frantic finish.
Team
Liverpool: Falk, Shimizu, Fisk, Clark, Bernabe, Nagano, Maclean (O'Sullivan, 79), Kapocs (Thomas, 88), Enderby (Evans, 68), Holland, Olsson (Csillag, 79).
Unused subs: Kirby, Woodham, Josendal, Bergstrom, Trueman.
Next up
Liverpool are in Adobe Women's FA Cup action next, when they travel to face Charlton Athletic. Kick-off at The Valley is 2.30pm BST on Sunday April 4.
View away ticket and coach travel details here.