When Kevin Campbell scored the only goal of the game to defeat rivals Liverpool at Anfield in September 1999, Everton could not have expected to embark on a run of Merseyside derby disappointments.
Prior to David Moyes's appointment to the Goodison Park helm in March 2002, the Toffees lost three of the next six meetings with the Reds and drew the other three.
Then, when Moyes took charge, Liverpool won 2-1 and 3-0 in his first derby clashes, before going on to claim a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
It meant that by the time that Liverpool made the trip across Stanley Park in December 2004, Everton had not recorded a win from that particular fixture in just over five years.
This time around, though, the visitors went into the match in sketchy form under Spanish boss Rafael Benitez, while in contrast Moyes had guided his players to the top three.
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The first meaningful chance of the contest was created by the home side in 21st minute when Marcus Bent picked out Tim Cahill inside the penalty area. The Australian had earned himself a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder, but he couldn't convert from six yards out.
Meanwhile, up the other end, youngster Neil Mellor saw his header from close range blocked by a combination of Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn and defender Alan Stubbs on the line.
The hosts started the second half slowly as Liverpool began to dominate the encounter. However, in the 68th minute, Everton managed to break the deadlock. Leon Osman picked out his midfield partner Lee Carsley 20 yards from goal and he proceeded to beat Chris Kirkland with a curling effort.
It sparked a positive reaction from Liverpool, but when Steven Gerrard failed to hit the target from the edge of the area in the closing stages, their chance had gone, which in turn ensured that Everton had ended their 10-match wait for a victory against their neighbours.
"This win is very satisfying. That surely shows the progress this club has made with a tremendously committed bunch of players who are really working for each other. It was another great day," Moyes told reporters after the match.
EVERTON: Martyn; Hibbert, Stubbs, Weir, Pistone; Carsley, Osman (Watson), Gravesen (Yobo), Cahill, Kilbane; Bent (Ferguson)
LIVERPOOL: Kirkland; Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise; Diao (Alonso), Hamann (Nunez), Gerrard, Kewell; Sinama Pongolle (Traore), Mellor
Liam Apicella
