The result of this season's first Merseyside derby was Everton 0 - 2 Liverpool, a victory that continues Liverpool's good start to their Premiership campaign. After issuing seven yellow cards against Manchester United in last weekend's match at Stamford Bridge, Mike Riley took only eight minutes before issuing the first card in this game. Despite Liverpool dominance in midfield, it was Everton who had the better chances in the first-half with Cahill and new Everton signing Fellaini both having good opportunities.
Everton were defending in numbers, a tactic that restricted Liverpool's attack. Though Everton mostly wasted the possession they had with long-balls attempting to find lone striker Yakubu, who was being closely marked by Skrtel and Carragher. If Liverpool were going to beat Everton and go to the top of the table then Benitez would have to change strategy.
Half-Time: Everton 0 - 0 Liverpool
The first half ended goalless with both teams adopting a cautious strategy. In the second half, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez gave Dirk Kuyt a more central role as Liverpool tried to play through the Everton defence rather than around it. The game was there to be won and after Liverpool's recent performances against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool beating Everton was the more likely result.
Goal Torres: Everton 0 - 1 Liverpool
On 58-minutes, Liverpool fashioned a ball through to Robbie Keane, his deep cross found Torres unmarked in the Everton box. The Spaniard blasted the ball between the legs of Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard. The red half of Liverpool erupted. It was Everton 0 - 1 Liverpool, not only were Liverpool beating Everton, they were also in complete control at Goodison Park and were looking to make it Everton 0 - 2 Liverpool.
Goal Torres: Everton 0 - 2 Liverpool
After the Liverpool goal, Everton had capitulated, losing all shape in midfield and defence. Good work from Kuyt in the centre - bursting into the Everton penalty area - resulted in the ball falling to the unmarked Torres. Liverpool's star striker cooly slammed the ball into the top-left corner of the Everton net giving Howard no chance. Torres' 2 goals oozed quality and put Liverpol in the driving seat, but Liverpool wanted to beat Everton by more.
Kuyt thought he had scored after a driving run from Gerrard, but the ball had gone out for a goalkick before the Liverpool captain was able to get his cross in. After Torres' 2 goals, the young Spaniard's confidence had returned and he soon had the ball in the back of the net again, but the referee ruled the goal out because of a push from Kuyt.
Cahill Red Card
As Everton struggled to get anything out of the game, both teams began to get more physical. Arbeloa cyncially kicked Tim Cahill after losing the ball, an incident that very nearly ignited passions as Cahill then appeared to raise his hands. Cahill then recklessly slid into Alonso without getting any of the ball. The challenge was two-footed with the Everton midifelder up-ending his Liverpool counterpart. Cahill walked away hoping he had escaped punishment, but the referee brandished a straight red card.
Full-Time: Everton 0 - 2 Liverpool
With Everton down to 10 men, Liverpool were able to see out the last 15 minutes with Everton only getting half-chances. Gerrard almost got onto the score sheet, but his first-time shot was well saved by Howard. Torres didn't get his hat-trick and Keane's search for his first Liverpool League goal continues, but both will be pleased that the game ended Everton 0 - 2 Liverpool, the result sending Liverpool to the top of the Premiership table.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Saha 65), Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Neville, Fellaini, Osman, Arteta, Cahill, Yakubu
Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Reira (Aurelio 70), Alonso, Gerrard, Kuyt, Keane, Torres
