Lucy Graham said she was “lost for words” after hitting the winner in the first-ever women's Merseyside derby to be hosted at Anfield.
Everton captain Graham struck at the Kop end in first-half stoppage time as the Blues won 1-0 to move up to fourth in the WSL.
The match was played in front of more than 23,500 fans and was one of a number of high-profile WSL showdowns in the first-ever Women’s Football Weekend, which will become an annual event to celebrate the women’s game.
Scotland international Graham paid tribute to the strong contingent of Evertonians who enthusiastically backed the Blues at Anfield.
Asked her about her emotions after scoring the game's decisive goal, she said: “I’m speechless - I’m just lost for words!
“I’d like to say massive thanks to the fans for backing us in such numbers – they were definitely like an extra player.
“I don’t think the performance was particularly great, but the three points was all that matters.
“It was a massive occasion and I’m delighted to be on the scoresheet, but the win was no less than the girls deserved.”
Graham’s long-range strike capped an all-action performance from the talented central midfield player.
Her energy, combativeness and quality in possession came to the fore at Anfield as Everton dug in to secure victory over their city rivals.
A big thank you to all Evertonians from our captain and match winner @JustLuc_ #COYB 🔵 pic.twitter.com/QRr7PkYLyi
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) November 17, 2019
Liverpool, in truth, had created the clearer openings before Graham’s goal, with Everton stopper Tinja Riikka-Korpela making a stunning save from Kirsty Linnett’s close-range header.
Liverpool continued to pose a threat in the second half as they pushed for an equaliser – and Graham heaped praise on the Everton backline for successfully repelling the hosts.
“When you have such a strong defensive line like ours – it keeps you in the game,” Graham added.
“All you need to do is put the ball in the back of the net once and you can come away with the points. It’s a massive credit to the girls in defence – they kept us in the game.
“This league is so difficult so it’s important we work to improve our performances.
“This game was a massive occasion and we enjoyed every minute of it, but there is still work to do.”
