Everton vs Liverpool Player Ratings

Everton

Tim Howard - 7.5

His excellent penalty save against Dirk Kuyt in the first-half counted for nothing as he could do nothing to prevent Liverpool's two goals.

Sylvain Distin - 5

Had a solid first-half but started to show signs of nervousness after the break. It was his clearance that handed Luis Suarez an easy chance to slot in Liverpool's second.

Phil Jagielka - 8

The England centre-back singlehandedly held the Everton defence together despite the home side being one man down.

Leighton Baines - 6.5

Had a mix-up with Distin in the penalty area that led to an easy finish by Suarez to send the game beyond Everton's reach.

Tony Hibbert (Off 79') - 6.5

The Everton right-back stayed firm against the threat of Stewart Downing.

Jack Rodwell (Sent off 23') - 6

It's a shame he lasted for just 23 minutes into the derby after being harshly dismissed for a foul on Luis Suarez. Which means he did not have the time needed to make an impact on the game.

Marouane Fellaini - 7

A whole hearted and dynamic performance by the afro-head midfielder. Helped out in defence when needed and gave Liverpool a tough challenge in midfield.

Leon Osman (Off 79') - 6

Hardly had any meaningful impact on the game. Was taken off for Phil Neville in the second-half.

Seamus Coleman (Off 59') - 5

Struggled to keep up with the pace of the game against the more illustrious and expensively assemble Liverpool midfielders.

Louis Saha - 7

The French striker was a constant thorn in the Liverpool defence and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions.

Tim Cahill - 7

Came close to scoring in the first-half with a looping header which Reina managed to tip over. Else, the Australian striker put in a hardworking shift up front.

Substitutions:

Royston Drenthe (On 59') - 6

A lively performance after coming on for Coleman.

Phil Neville (On 69') - 5

Did not have the desired effect after coming on for Osman.

Apostolos Vellios (On 79') - NA

Liverpool

Pepe Reina - 8

Showed safe hands throughout the game and produced a magnificent save to deny Cahill's looping headed effort in the first-half.

Jamie Carragher - 8

It was Carragher at his best. The veteran defender was obviously fired up for the Merseyside derby and did well to silence threat of Everton.

Martin Skrtel - 8

Struck a solid partnership with Carragher in the heart of the Liverpool defence.

José Enrique - 8

Gave the Everton defence much to worry about with his clever runs and crosses from the left. Crossed in for Carroll's opening goal.

Martin Kelly - 7

An assured performance by the young Liverpool right-back. Hardly put a foot wrong despite the occasion of the Merseyside derby.

Charlie Adam - 6.5

Marshaled the Liverpool midfield well in his first ever Merseyside derby. Made way for Steven Gerrard in the second-half.

Lucas - 8

Another no-frills and effective performance by the once maligned Brazilian midfielder.

Stewart Downing - 6.5

Was well contained by the Everton defence thus unable to put in his usual supply of crosses from the left.

Dirk Kuyt - 6.5

Everyone expected him to convert the penalty in the first-half, but Howard had other ideas as he turned his effort around the post. Else, the Dutch international was at his usual hardworking self but struggled to find a way through the Everton defence.

Andy Carroll - 7

Found little joy up front against the tight Everton defence all afternoon. But under-fire striker silenced his critics with a well executed volley from Enrique's cross.

Luis Suárez - 8

Endeared himself to the Liverpool faithful with an excellent performance at Goodison Park. Finished off Everton with an easy chance presented to him in the box.

Substitutions:

Steven Gerrard (On 67) - 6

The Liverpool captain was thought to be starting for the game but came off the bench for Adam. Stabilized the midfield with his presence.

Craig Bellamy (On 67') - 6

Injected a much needed energy into the game after coming on.

Jordan Henderson (On 88') - NA