It was the 177th merseyside derby. Everton got all 4 points from the available 6 last season beating Liverpool at their home ground 3 0. They were hoping for a repeat performance. Rafa had again used his rotation policies and started with Kuyt and Voronin up front as Torres was injured while on international duty. Tim Cahill wasn’t included in the Everton line up so Neville and Jagileka too their places in the midfield. Gerrard started on the right as Pennant was on the bench. The stage was set for another of the classic clashes between the neighbors. Liverpool dominated the first 20 minutes of the game creating 2 good chances. Sissoko was a weak link in the team at times as he gave away possession easily. Everton got into their rhythm after 25 min. They got a couple of chances and a really good one when Yakubu gave a back flick to Lescott. Liverpool were defending in depth. Eventually Everton got a couple of corners and during one of them, Everton took the lead, courtesy Sami Hyppia. An own goal. Beautiful finishing by the veteran Liverpool defender. Liverpool started the second half quite positively and their hard work paid off when Voronin gave a beautiful pass to Gerrard , who was about to score it himself but was fouled inside the penalty area by Hibbert , who was obviously sent off and Liverpool were awarded a spot kick. Kuyt scored easily and they got things back on track. Then the 10 man Everton side were put to tremendous pressure by their rivals. Riise missed a simple chance , Voronin missed one and Sissoko missed a sitter. Gerrard was taken off the pitch in the 72nd minute much to the surprise of all the fans and Gerrard himself . Leiva entered the field. It was almost time. 4 minutes of stoppage time were given. A goal mouth scramble by Liverpool and Leiva got a sight of an open goal and almost scored when Phil Neville handled the ball on purpose. He was sent off and a second penalty came Liverpool’s way. Kuyt stepped up and got the winner. Within seconds Carragher pulled back Lescott in the penalty area when Everton were awarded a free kick. Referee didn’t notice that and that was the last play of the match. Everton were furious and the game ended in controversial circumstances. Liverpool wont mind that and got their league campaign back on track.
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