A Joseph Yobo own-goal and a Dirk Kuyt strike handed Liverpool a 2-0 win over Everton in the first Merseyside derby of the season at Goodison Park.
The opener came after 12 minutes, Javier Mascherano’s effort taking a hefty deflection off Yobo’s outstretched boot, before Kuyt pounced from close range with 10 minutes remaining to seal all three points for Liverpool.
The scoreline somewhat flattered the Reds who were second best for much of the game and were indebted to Jose Reina for an excellent double save to preserve a clean sheet with the score still at 1-0.
Rafa Benitez’s side move into fifth place in the Premier League, while the victory will help ease the pressure on the manager’s shoulders.
Video: