After last Sunday's surprise win over reigning Women's Super League champions Chelsea, the tough realities of England's top division have set in as Liverpool were brought back down to earth by rivals Everton.
The game promised so much from Liverpool's perspective as Anfield hosted its first Merseyside derby in three years - with Everton winning the last one in 2019, too. With the Kop almost at capacity, the Liverpool side warmed up in front of their adoring supporters - some of them new after the success of the Women's Euros in the summer, which saw England lift their first major trophy in the women's game.
Was the expectation too high for Liverpool after last weekend's win over Chelsea? It seemed that way as the players struggled to live up to what the Anfield crowd was hoping for. This Everton side played Liverpool off the park at times in the first half as they went in at the half-time break with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Megan Finnigan and Jess Park.
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After this loss, Liverpool may well now realise the task they have to stay in the WSL and keep building as a women's side. Can the Reds one day be like Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City? Of course they can, but they need backing from the club's hierarchy and that needs to start now after promotion was won last season in such great fashion.
Matt Beard's return as manager rejuvenated the club as promotion was won, but more is needed and training at the AXA Training Centre could be the first step towards becoming a powerhouse in the women's game. It is not beyond Liverpool's reach as they won the first two WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, but funding for the likes of City and Arsenal increased as Liverpool fell behind.
Interest in the women's game has grown massively over the years and 25,000 fans at Anfield proved there is good reason for excitement around the club.
On Saturday, Arsenal played in the North London derby at the Emirates in front of 47,000 fans with the likes of Beth Mead and Leah Williamson on the team sheet. Liverpool can aspire to be like Arsenal or an all-conquering Chelsea, but it will take time and backing from fans and those who matter the most at the club.
Everton finished 10th in the WSL last season, but they looked a level above their rivals in red at Anfield on Sunday night. This loss may settle Liverpool down after their win over Chelsea last week came as a shock to all in the WSL.
Beard's side know staying in the WSL is the main priority and his players proved last weekend that they are more than capable at pulling out a result, but they may need to learn to handle expectation better in front of an expectant Anfield.
This is a level above what these Liverpool players are used to as Hannah Bennison made it 3-0 to Everton in the 87th minute to put the final beyond any doubt.
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