Liverpool moved four points clear of Everton in the fight for the final Champions League place with an emphatic 4-0 victory in the Merseyside derby at Anfield. The home side were ruthlessly clinical throughout and, after taking the lead through Steven Gerrard’s powerful header, Daniel Sturridge scored two goals in as many minutes just past the half-hour mark to effectively seal a vital three points before half time. Liverpool continued to be merciless after the break as Suarez seized on an error from Phil Jagielka to extend their advantage. Only a penalty miss from Sturridge denied Liverpool a fifth and himself a hat-trick.
While Everton had their good spells in the match they rarely threatened the Liverpool goal, a failing that was not helped by Romelu Lukaku going off with an ankle injury in the midst of Liverpool conceding the opening goal. The main faults, though, were at the other end, where, as they did in their 5-0 mauling of Tottenham, Liverpool took full advantage of their opponents’ high defensive line. Both sides were missing several players due to injury, but perhaps it was the loss of Sylvain Distin’s pace at the back for Everton that was most keenly felt on the day.
Meanwhile, despite again missing the midfield stability of Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen, Liverpool looked far more secure in midfield than in their last two outings. Up front the pace and intelligent movement of Suarez and Sturridge again demonstrated that they have the firepower to wreak havoc on any team. With the other leading contenders for fourth place, Tottenham, going up against Manchester City on Wednesday, the situation could look even rosier for Brendan Rodgers’ side in 24 hours’ time.
Goal Gerrard - Liverpool 1-0 Everton - 28-01... by beingoal1
Goal Sturridge - Liverpool 2-0 Everton - 28-01... by beingoal1
Goal Sturridge - Liverpool 3-0 Everton - 28-01... by beingoal1
Goal Suarez - Liverpool 4-0 Everton - 28-01... by beingoal1
VIDEO Liverpool 4-0 Everton: Highlights; Sturridge, Suarez And Gerrard Goals Give Reds Vital Merseyside Derby Win
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