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The Merseyside Derby has been the stage for countless unforgettable moments over the years, with the 247th showdown set for Saturday. Yet, one of the most iconic incidents involved Liverpool's former star Luis Suarez and a legendary celebration that's now etched in derby history.
To revisit arguably the most humorous episode in this storied match-up, you must travel back to 28 October 2012, when Liverpool squared off against Everton at Goodison Park in that season's first all-Merseyside clash.
On the eve of the match, Everton's manager David Moyes, during his initial tenure with the Toffees, fanned the flames by criticizing Suarez for his tendency to go to ground too easily, referencing an incident from their previous encounter.
In the previous season, the Liverpool striker had theatrically tumbled, resulting in Jack Rodwell being shown a red card, which was subsequently overturned.
Moyes' remarks seemed to ignite a fiery performance from the controversial Uruguayan. Just 14 minutes into the game, Suarez made his feelings about the comments clear after he managed to slot the ball into the net from a tight angle, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Although the goal was later attributed to Leighton Baines due to a slight deflection, Liverpool's then-number seven didn't seem to care. He promptly sprinted over to Moyes in Everton's technical area, flamboyantly throwing himself on the ground in front of the Scot, arms spread wide.
Suarez proceeded to find the net again moments later, before Everton battled back through Leon Osman and Steven Naismith, securing the Toffees a point.
Whilst numerous other managers might have been furious at Suarez's taunt, Moyes showed his grace and wit during his post-match interview.
"I thought it was great," Moyes said when questioned about Suárez's celebration. "I'd have probably done the same if I had been the player, but he's going to have to dive in front of a lot of managers I think so I might have done the same to him. If we'd won 3-2 I might have done one in front of him as well."
The Scotsman even seized the moment to criticize his own player for what he considered simulation during the encounter.
He continued: "Phil Neville went down too easily, and I told him about it so if you go down easy then as a manager you should tell them and you don't want to get a reputation for being that sort of player."
Before the match, Moyes had voiced his reservations about the more controversial aspects of Suarez's conduct. "I've got concerns about Suarez, yes - because he's got history and these people are very good at it," he said.
"Last year was a dive, and the referee made a really poor decision that ruined the game after 15 minutes. Look, when you're out to manufacture results, supporters don't like it."
Everton was a team that Suarez particularly enjoyed playing against. The enigmatic striker scored five goals and provided four assists in six matches against the Blues, never tasting defeat. His celebration in the 2012 tie remains one of the most memorable moments in Merseyside Derby history.
Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield on Saturday, with the Premier League champions maintaining a perfect record with four victories from four league games after beating Burnley 1-0 on Sunday. However, Everton has started the new season with determination, securing consecutive wins over Brighton and Wolves before last weekend's goalless draw with Aston Villa.
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