Mixed emotions as the city experienced a truly unique Merseyside Derby

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Notably, those last four venues were all cup games.Although we're nearing the end of the 2025/26 league season, and because it's a derby-day at a new location, today's match would have meant a new routine for many, characterised by a sense of some unfamiliarity, but also one of excitement and anticipation.To gain a sense of how Evertonians were feeling about the first ever derby at Bramley Moore Dock, we headed out into the city and spoke to fans ahead of kick-off.Several pubs had opened early in the city centre, including The Denbigh Castle, a place where Evertonians can be sure of a warm welcome.We meet Craig, Bob and Jason who are settling their nerves at a table near the entrance, and discussing what bets to put on, Craig tells us: "I've been to two derby games before this, and considering our record against Liverpool, we won both of them so I'm feeling hopeful."Because of all my memories tied to Goodison Park, I get emotional walking to the new ground. One Chris is fully confident of an Everton victory, while the other Chris is a little more cautious.Nonetheless, they both agree on one thing, and that's fully embracing the new stadium and the sense of optimism around the club, Chris said: "This is our new home now, and it's what the club needed."It's modern day football, so if that's what you need to progress then I'm all for it.

Derek said there’s some way to go before the Hill Dickinson replicates the atmosphere at Goodison, but added they had enjoyed the build up, both now covered in blue residue from the many flares going off to greet the team bus.We also meet Everton season-ticket holders Carl McCormack and his two sons, who have been very impressed with how their new home ground has turned out. Carl said it’s 'special days like this' which will make it more and more connected to the fans.Carl's last point sums up much of what we were told by Everton fans, in that the new stadium will create its own lore, its own legends, and give birth to its own legends - all of which will be built around what happens on the pitch, highlighting the importance of results like the one achieved at home to Chelsea.There was a very real sense of this in the build-up to this game, as Everton fans gathered in their thousands to welcome the team bus.

No longer repelling the spectre of falling out of the top flight, Everton are now focused on the top half of the table, and are well-positioned for a crack at European football next season.As Everton's team bus travelled through the gates off Regent Road, the fans were in full voice, blue fares going off everywhere, accompanied by a sea of blue shirts, all cheering the team in.The fans then started making their way toward the stadium, joined by those enjoying a few drinks in the many new bars which have opened up around the north docks, and fans decked in newly bought merchandise from the street vendors and merchandise shops - all adding to an authentic and friendly atmosphere.We spotted a few Liverpool fans in the crowds as well, who were equally impressed by the stadium, many of them looking forward to seeing inside the Hill Dickinson for the first time.Families like Anne-Marie Dimant and her daughter Janie Carberry, who had brought her son Caleb. Known as just 'Lawson' to his friends, he concedes Everton have created something special down here at Bramley Moore, but like so many other football fans today, is only interested in the game, and the result.As it turned out, Liverpool came away with the win, thanks to a stoppage time winner from Virgil Van Dijk, which would have gone some way to dampening the mood around the blue half of the city.But as the thousands of fans made their way along Regent Road, towards the city centre, it was difficult not reflect on the bigger picture of today, and to keep in mind the cautious optimism expressed before kick-off.Everton are no longer a struggling football team, they are no longer a club awaiting a new future, they are bona fide Premier League force, with an incredible new stadium, and big plans for the next few years.Despite a last-minute defeat, this game will add another chapter to the lore of the Hill Dickinson Stadium, because history and heritage is made up of both the highs and the lows.