Everton 0 - 2 Liverpool: Reds give Toffees the blues

LIVERPOOL striker Luis Suarez was the villain in the eyes of Everton fans after he was involved in the sending-off of Jack Rodwell before scoring the second goal in a controversial Merseyside derby victory.

The Uruguay international was berated as a cheat by the majority of Goodison Park – and appeared to have a coin thrown at him – after making the most of Rodwell’s sliding tackle midway through the first half. He also won a penalty – which Dirk Kuyt missed – to add to his growing reputation as Mr Unpopular with the Blue half of Merseyside.

Everton boss David Moyes felt the decision “ruined” the derby. He added: “We’d have been disappointed if it was a foul, not even a yellow card, but to brandish a red card? You could not have said that Jack Rodwell was wrong with his tackle, if it was, I’m going to have to coach the players differently.”

Suarez, and the performance of referee Martin Atkinson, somewhat overshadowed Andy Carroll’s first league goal of the season. His strike was the breakthrough and set his side on the way to victory which Everton had worked so hard for so long to deny their visitors.

Earlier, in the 23rd minute, Rodwell slid in to challenge Suarez and, although he seemed to win the ball with a tackle which did not appear dangerous, Atkinson immediately brandished a red card.

Prior to that Everton had produced the best chances with Tim Cahill forcing Jose Reina into a fingertip save after rising highest at the far post and Sylvain Distin blazing a shot just over.

But the momentum changed in an instant as Cahill was dropped back into a left-sided midfield role.

Everton’s high-tempo pressing play was abandoned for a deeper-lying, more measured approach and that played into the visitors’ hands as they were able to control possession of the ball.

However, they struggled to make a breakthrough until Phil Jagielka brought down Suarez on the corner of the penalty area just before half-time and Atkinson pointed to the spot.

Kuyt, scorer of five derby goals prior to yesterday, stepped up but Howard saved brilliantly low to his left.

Substitute Craig Bellamy who, just four minutes after coming on, raced down the left and released Jose Enrique. Carroll powered home the Spaniard’s cross from eight yards. The match was wrapped up in the 82nd minute when Suarez collected Kuyt’s knockdown and placed a left-footed shot past Howard from six yards.

Afterwards Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish hailed his side’s patient approach. “I think up until they lost a man it was even,” Dalglish said. “I don’t think there was much between the teams. Sometimes the extra man works against you and sometimes it works in your favour. We kept our patience and we are delighted with the result.”