Ian Rush scored twice in two minutes as Liverpool beat Everton 3–1 at Goodison Park on 23 September 1989. The visitors overturned Mike Newell’s opener to replace their neighbours at the top of the First Division.
Everton’s goal came from Pat Nevin’s pass over Liverpool’s defence. Newell ran through and finished low past the advancing Bruce Grobbelaar. Both sides then hit the woodwork: Rush headed Steve Nicol’s cross against a post, and Dave Watson struck the bar from Kevin Sheedy’s free-kick.
John Barnes equalised after the half-hour, heading Peter Beardsley’s chipped delivery past Neville Southall. The Times identified Steve McMahon’s growing influence in midfield and Beardsley’s deeper positioning as Liverpool took control.
Beardsley was involved in both second-half goals. His crossfield pass released Barnes, who beat Ian Snodin and crossed low for Rush to finish in the 62nd minute. Two minutes later, Beardsley sent Rush beyond Kevin Ratcliffe. Southall got to the shot but could not keep it out.
Liverpool finished with 15 points from seven matches, still unbeaten and one point above Chelsea and Millwall. Everton, who had led the table before the derby, dropped to fifth.