A single goal proved enough for ten man Liverpool to earn the bragging rights on Merseyside after a hard fought victory over Everton at Anfield. The Reds were reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute when defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini were involved in a crunching challenge.
Neither was blameless in the incident but only the Greek defender was shown red by referee Martin Atkinson.
If the visitor's thought their numerical advantage would count they were stunned in the 55th minute of a pulsating encounter when Liverpool took the lead.
Toffees keeper Tim Howard was at fault allowing Dirk Kuyt to head home Steven Gerrard's corner from close range.
Everton struggled to make their one man advantage count and frustrations boiled over in the final minute as Steven Pienaar, who had earlier been booked for a heavy challenge on Javier Mascherano, saw red for jumping into Steven Gerrard.
The defeat ends a run of nine matches unbeaten for the Toffees as boss David Moyes saw his side fail to deliver on the day.
The Reds have now secured 17 points from a possible 21 in their last seven league matches as they continue their pursuit of a Champions League finish.
