Dirk Kuyt's 50th goal for Liverpool gave Rafa Benitez's 10 men a 1-0 victory over Everton after Sotirios Kyrgiakos's first Merseyside derby ended with the Greek defender being sent off at Anfield on Saturday. In a hotly contested match, Kyrgiakos became the 18th player to be red-carded in 24 matches between these two rivals before South Africa's Steven Pienaar was sent off for Everton in the dying moments.
Referee Martin Atkinson had his work cut out as Everton's Marouane Fellaini was also fortunate not to be sent off. Pienaar was also lucky to last as long as he did, yet Liverpool overcame the loss of Kyrgiakos to secure all three points that saw them move above Tottenham, who face Aston Villa later on Saturday, into fourth spot.
There have been a flurry of red cards in Merseyside derbies in recent years and the 213th meeting between the arch-rivals proved every bit as bruising. The tone was set as early as the fourth minute when Steven Gerrard was man-handled in front of the Kop by Phil Neville, England's newly-appointed vice-captain picking himself up to deliver a set-piece which had Tim Howard scrambling to fist the ball away.
Liverpool, who had Maxi Rodriguez, Lucas and Daniel Agger back in the side, carved out the better openings as they went in search of their fifth successive home win in the league. Agger blazed over from 12 yards, while David Ngog lost control at the vital moment after Kuyt's defence-splitting pass. It was Liverpool who were reduced to 10 men 11 minutes before half time.
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