Liverpool winger Stewart Downing admits he loved the atmosphere of the derby on Saturday.

It was Downing's first Merseyside clinker as the Reds came through victorious.

"It was a great game to be involved in. It was a great atmosphere and both sets of fans got right behind their teams," said Downing, one of five Merseyside debutants in the Liverpool side.

"It was quite feisty for half an hour, the tackles were flying in but that's part of the game."