Two second-half goals proved sufficient as Liverpool overcame the brave resistance of ten-man Everton for a 2-0 success at Goodison Park. Everton will point to the harsh dismissal of Jack Rodwell after 23 minutes as the turning point in this Merseyside derby. Referee Martin Atkinson adjudged the Toffee mans challenge as too robust and showed straight red.
Everton held out until the break but only because Liverpool missed a penalty in the 43rd minute following Phil Jagielka's challenge on Luis Suarez - Tim Howard saving brilliantly from Dirk Kuyt.
But the Reds numerical advantage came good on 71 minutes as under pressure striker Andy Carroll smashed home from close range following good work from Sanchez Jose Enrique.
With nine minutes remaining Suarez made it two taking advantage of some poor defending by Leighton Baines and Sylvain Distin.
Rodwell's dismissal was the 20th for this fixture, the most than in any other in Premier League history.
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Venue: Goodison Park
Attendance: 39,510
Everton scorers: Liverpool scorers: Carroll 71, Suarez 81
TRIBAL ASKS: If ever a referee ruined a game this was it. But will the FA ever do anything about displays like this...NO!
Yellow cards: Cahill (EVE), Lucas (LIV) Red cards: Rodwell (EVE)
