Seamus Coleman's enduring quality still shines through as Everton prepare for another Merseyside derby

Merseyside derby wins are a Premier League rarity for those of an Evertonian persuasion.

The 1990s saw the blue side of the city boast the stronger derby record, as Joe Royle’s side edged the early days.

However, the turn of the century, and the ripening of Gerard Houllier’s team changed things, as Liverpool ruthlessly took derby control in the following two decades.

Everton wins became dates marked in memory, with Kevin Campbell’s goal in 1999 their only away derby win until a 2-0 victory at an empty Anfield in 2021.

Whilst the Anfield barrier was broken two years ago, the Goodison block is unmoved since 2010, with nine draws from 12.

That lack of success on home soil adds more weight to the 2010 win, which otherwise would have been marked down as a positive result, against an unremarkable Liverpool team.

The date of 17 October, 2010 remains in the minds of Evertonians for many reasons, but potentially not for one notable storyline - it was Seamus Coleman’s derby debut.

A lack of focus on that win being Coleman’s first exposure to a derby is symbolic of what we have come to associate the Donegal man with, as he leads Everton across Stanley Park for a 20th derby appearance on Monday night.

Modest and focused excellence, with a bite and drive to ensure Everton are successful. That win was a slideshow of early Coleman at Everton, as his driving run punctured the Liverpool defence to set up Tim Cahill for the opener, before dropping in to seal Everton’s first derby clean sheet in four years.

That triggered seven consecutive Premier League derby starts, as Moyes put his faith in Coleman over Tony Hibbert, and the new man at right-back repaid him.

Moyes’ departure to Manchester United in 2013 put Coleman at a crossroads, with