Richard Jolly
On course for their consolation prize, Liverpool found plenty to console themselves. Their victory all but assured what could amount to a £30 million reward for what many would regard as an unsatisfactory season in the Premier League in the shape of fourth place. It came with the added benefit of seeing a stuttering Everton stumble while their own marquee names - the match-winner Fernando Torres in particular - returned to form.
And it enabled their fans to taunt: 'You're not Scousers any more.' That was a reference to Everton's proposed move to a new stadium outside the city's boundaries. Liverpool's travels could once again take in some of Europe's grandest stages with Champions League football looking a likelihood again at Anfield.
It was, in short, an afternoon to forget that they are still 14 points adrift of Manchester United and to banish the mauling at Old Trafford from their memories. For 45 minutes, before an utterly uneventful second half, they provided an indication of their abilities to earn a seventh win in nine Premier League games. Torres, all lithe athleticism, exuded menace and coolly delivered a 28th goal of the season.
Behind him, each of his three support acts excelled in their individual ways. Steven Gerrard provided two ferocious long-range shots that almost brought him a 20th goal of the season. His all-action approach is well-suited to derbies, but it was permitted by the two-man shield that Xabi Alonso and Lucas Leiva erected in front of the back four.
Marauding with intent, Gerrard has a far superior alliance with Torres than with Wayne Rooney. While criticism was directed at the Liverpool captain following his rather typical underachievement for England, it is not a systemic failure. A 4-2-3-1 formation enables him to flourish at Anfield. 'The understanding between Torres and Gerrard is the key,' said Rafa Benitez.
To Gerrard's left, Ryan Babel somehow contrived not to convert a superb cross from John Arne Riise - further proof of his enduring ability to infuriate - but otherwise prospered on the counter-attack. It was notable how often Liverpool directed diagonal balls in front of the Dutchman to break at speed.
And on the other flank, Dirk Kuyt is that contradiction in terms, a superb defensive attacker. One sequence of play was particularly revealing of his contribution when he chased down Joseph Yobo, Joleon Lescott and Tim Howard, pursuing each in term and keeping Everton penned in and around their own box when they needed to advance 100 yards. This provided a microcosm of Kuyt's season; inaccurate and unfortunate finishing marring his efforts, but a wonderful work ethic ensuring his participation.
With Jose Reina not called upon to make a save, the most significant incident involving Everton's sole forward was the Liverpool goal. Yakubu's attempt to dribble the ball away from his own box was unwise, Alonso robbed him and, via Kuyt, got the ball to Torres to beat Howard. 'It was a disappointing goal to give away,' said David Moyes. 'We got caught on the ball, we were a wee bit naive in running out so quickly to try and counter attack. '
Now there is the sense that Liverpool's minimum requirement will be achieved. A five-point cushion in fourth place appeared unlikely in their midwinter civil war, though Benitez is remaining cautious about Liverpool's prospects. 'It was really important for the team, for the club and we are now in a better position,' he said. 'We will need to work hard to the end.'
Yet fourth place, and the financial windfall of Europe's premier club competition, only represents a triumph of resources. Deprived of Andrew Johnson and, most importantly, the irrepressible Tim Cahill, Everton lacked attacking options. Yakubu was their only fit forward and, with Mikel Arteta subdued, invention was conspicuous by its absence.
'What we're disappointed in is that we didn't create many chances,' added Moyes. That a small squad have overachieved has become evident, though a flat performance was especially galling in the match that matters most to them.
Just as Liverpool appear to struggle psychologically against Manchester United, the same may be true of Everton in derbies. Certainly their record in meetings with the game's superpowers this season is a cause of concern.
The criticism that can be levelled is that Everton have failed to reproduce their form in the biggest games. It is as though the sense of opportunity overwhelms them, and results in underachievement. The second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Chelsea was a case in point; perhaps the penalty shootout against Fiorentina was another.
Theirs threatens to be a season of 'nearly', 'almost' and 'what if'; Liverpool's, in typically enigmatic fashion, could still culminate in triumph in Moscow. At least abject failure in England looks to have been averted.
.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Fernando Torres - Yet another match to display the importance of a clinical finisher. Even Benitez, reluctant to acclaim his as the world's premier striker, admitted he has exceeded expectations. 'We knew that he is a fantastic player,' he said. 'We knew he could score goals. But 28 - 21 in the Premier League - is good. He is one of the best, but there are a lot of good strikers in the world.'
.
LIVERPOOL VERDICT: They go into the triple header with Arsenal in rather chirpier mood, though again displaying the reliance on the spine of the side. Benitez refused to confirm that Torres will start each of the three matches against the Gunners, but the alternatives are vastly inferior. One benefit was that two players who are not automatic choices justified their selection. Lucas, whose passing impressed, ensured the banned Javier Mascherano wasn't missed and Sami Hyypia provided a well-judged tackle when Yakubu was lining up a shot.
.
EVERTON VERDICT: Their attentions have been fixed on Liverpool for weeks, but Portsmouth may be a greater concern now. Unless Everton can recapture their spark or anyone can provide Yakubu with more support, their battle now may be for fifth place, and Pompey are in much better form. Sadly for David Moyes, his players are experiencing a collective slump. 'If you've got a five-point advantage at this time of the season, it's a great advantage,' the Everton boss admitted. 'I've got teams behind me and I'm looking over my shoulder.'
On course for their consolation prize, Liverpool found plenty to console themselves. Their victory all but assured what could amount to a £30 million reward for what many would regard as an unsatisfactory season in the Premier League in the shape of fourth place. It came with the added benefit of seeing a stuttering Everton stumble while their own marquee names - the match-winner Fernando Torres in particular - returned to form.
And it enabled their fans to taunt: 'You're not Scousers any more.' That was a reference to Everton's proposed move to a new stadium outside the city's boundaries. Liverpool's travels could once again take in some of Europe's grandest stages with Champions League football looking a likelihood again at Anfield.
It was, in short, an afternoon to forget that they are still 14 points adrift of Manchester United and to banish the mauling at Old Trafford from their memories. For 45 minutes, before an utterly uneventful second half, they provided an indication of their abilities to earn a seventh win in nine Premier League games. Torres, all lithe athleticism, exuded menace and coolly delivered a 28th goal of the season.
Behind him, each of his three support acts excelled in their individual ways. Steven Gerrard provided two ferocious long-range shots that almost brought him a 20th goal of the season. His all-action approach is well-suited to derbies, but it was permitted by the two-man shield that Xabi Alonso and Lucas Leiva erected in front of the back four.
Marauding with intent, Gerrard has a far superior alliance with Torres than with Wayne Rooney. While criticism was directed at the Liverpool captain following his rather typical underachievement for England, it is not a systemic failure. A 4-2-3-1 formation enables him to flourish at Anfield. 'The understanding between Torres and Gerrard is the key,' said Rafa Benitez.
To Gerrard's left, Ryan Babel somehow contrived not to convert a superb cross from John Arne Riise - further proof of his enduring ability to infuriate - but otherwise prospered on the counter-attack. It was notable how often Liverpool directed diagonal balls in front of the Dutchman to break at speed.
And on the other flank, Dirk Kuyt is that contradiction in terms, a superb defensive attacker. One sequence of play was particularly revealing of his contribution when he chased down Joseph Yobo, Joleon Lescott and Tim Howard, pursuing each in term and keeping Everton penned in and around their own box when they needed to advance 100 yards. This provided a microcosm of Kuyt's season; inaccurate and unfortunate finishing marring his efforts, but a wonderful work ethic ensuring his participation.
With Jose Reina not called upon to make a save, the most significant incident involving Everton's sole forward was the Liverpool goal. Yakubu's attempt to dribble the ball away from his own box was unwise, Alonso robbed him and, via Kuyt, got the ball to Torres to beat Howard. 'It was a disappointing goal to give away,' said David Moyes. 'We got caught on the ball, we were a wee bit naive in running out so quickly to try and counter attack. '
Now there is the sense that Liverpool's minimum requirement will be achieved. A five-point cushion in fourth place appeared unlikely in their midwinter civil war, though Benitez is remaining cautious about Liverpool's prospects. 'It was really important for the team, for the club and we are now in a better position,' he said. 'We will need to work hard to the end.'
Yet fourth place, and the financial windfall of Europe's premier club competition, only represents a triumph of resources. Deprived of Andrew Johnson and, most importantly, the irrepressible Tim Cahill, Everton lacked attacking options. Yakubu was their only fit forward and, with Mikel Arteta subdued, invention was conspicuous by its absence.
'What we're disappointed in is that we didn't create many chances,' added Moyes. That a small squad have overachieved has become evident, though a flat performance was especially galling in the match that matters most to them.
Just as Liverpool appear to struggle psychologically against Manchester United, the same may be true of Everton in derbies. Certainly their record in meetings with the game's superpowers this season is a cause of concern.
The criticism that can be levelled is that Everton have failed to reproduce their form in the biggest games. It is as though the sense of opportunity overwhelms them, and results in underachievement. The second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Chelsea was a case in point; perhaps the penalty shootout against Fiorentina was another.
Theirs threatens to be a season of 'nearly', 'almost' and 'what if'; Liverpool's, in typically enigmatic fashion, could still culminate in triumph in Moscow. At least abject failure in England looks to have been averted.
.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Fernando Torres - Yet another match to display the importance of a clinical finisher. Even Benitez, reluctant to acclaim his as the world's premier striker, admitted he has exceeded expectations. 'We knew that he is a fantastic player,' he said. 'We knew he could score goals. But 28 - 21 in the Premier League - is good. He is one of the best, but there are a lot of good strikers in the world.'
.
LIVERPOOL VERDICT: They go into the triple header with Arsenal in rather chirpier mood, though again displaying the reliance on the spine of the side. Benitez refused to confirm that Torres will start each of the three matches against the Gunners, but the alternatives are vastly inferior. One benefit was that two players who are not automatic choices justified their selection. Lucas, whose passing impressed, ensured the banned Javier Mascherano wasn't missed and Sami Hyypia provided a well-judged tackle when Yakubu was lining up a shot.
.
EVERTON VERDICT: Their attentions have been fixed on Liverpool for weeks, but Portsmouth may be a greater concern now. Unless Everton can recapture their spark or anyone can provide Yakubu with more support, their battle now may be for fifth place, and Pompey are in much better form. Sadly for David Moyes, his players are experiencing a collective slump. 'If you've got a five-point advantage at this time of the season, it's a great advantage,' the Everton boss admitted. 'I've got teams behind me and I'm looking over my shoulder.'
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