30.3.08  BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP
Liverpool 1 Everton 0  (BBC)


Liverpool strengthened their grip on fourth place after Fernando Torres' 28th goal of the season gave them victory in the Merseyside derby.

The Spaniard expertly slotted the ball beyond Tim Howard for the only goal of the game after six and a half minutes.

With Yakubu deployed as a lone striker Everton created very little, while Liverpool spurned several chances.

A rasping Steven Gerrard volley hit the post, while Everton's best chance fell to Leon Osman who headed wide.

The result puts Liverpool five points clear ahead of their local rivals in fourth place with just six games of the season remaining.

Rafa Benitez made three changes from the team that lost to Manchester United last weekend and Everton, without Andrew Johnson and Tim Cahill, looked void of ideas in the opening half.

Liverpool broke the deadlock when Gerrard's corner was only half cleared.

The ball fell kindly to Dirk Kuyt, after Xabi Alonso nicked the ball from Yakubu, and the Dutchman flicked the ball to Torres who slotted the ball beyond Howard when under pressure.

It could have got a lot worse for Everton as first Kuyt and then his fellow countryman Ryan Babel failed to connect with dangerous balls into the area.

The pressure was all Liverpool's and Gerrard almost doubled his side's advantage five minutes before half time.

A long punt upfield by Reina was flicked on by Torres and Gerrard's first-time volley came crashing back off the post with Howard well beaten.

Liverpool attacked at every opportunity and looked dangerous going forward, while in contrast Yakubu was all too often isolated on his own up front for Everton as they were pinned in their own half for long periods.

The home side ended the half on a high as a sweeping move involving Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Torres ended with Kuyt volleying wide.

Everton regrouped after the interval and they nearly made Liverpool pay for their missed chances when Osman headed wide from Mikel Arteta's free-kick.

Both defences were on top after that with Hyypia expertly challenging Yakubu when in a dangerous position and at the other end Yobo denying Torres a clear run on goal.

David Moyes moved Phil Jagielka up front to partner Yakubu in the final five minutes but Liverpool's defence easily dealt with any Everton threat.

Everton rallied late on and Reina escaped as he flapped at a cross, but the ball would not fall kindly for Tony Hibbert.

But at the other end Liverpool had two chances to put the game beyond doubt as first Manuel Fernandes did brilliantly to block a Dirk Kuyt shot and then Gerrard forced Howard to make a great save as he shot from distance.

In the end one goal was enough to put Liverpool in pole position to clinch the final Champions League place.
 

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Alonso, Leiva, Kuyt, Gerrard (Crouch 90), Babel (Benayoun 82), Torres (Pennant 89).

Subs not used: Itandje, Finnan
Goal: Torres
 
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Pienaar (Fernandes 61), Carsley, Neville (Baines 72), Arteta, Osman, Yakubu.

Subs not used: Valente, Wessels, Gravesen

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 44,295