Everton 0-2 Liverpool

Jose Reina was the hero for Liverpool as they scrapped their way to a 2-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park

Both sides entered the game in poor form and Everton boss David Moyes sprung a surprise with his team selection as out of sorts striker Jo was preferred to top scorer Louis Saha. Rafa Benitez was still without the services of Fernando Torres but he elected to leave out in-form Yossi Benayoun in favour of Fabio Aurelio on the left hand side.

In a frantic opening it was the hosts that looked most likely to create a meaningful opening but their poor play in the final third was punished in just the 12th minute as Javier Mascherano's speculative drive took a big deflection off Joseph Yobo to leave Tim Howard stranded.

Still the men in blue poured forward and Jo was into the action as he drove the ball into the back of the net only to see the linesman's flag raised, correctly, for offside. The Brazilian was incredulous again on the stroke of half-time as he had another goal ruled out for offside as he diverted Marouane Fellaini's wayward header into the net.

The tempo slowed at the start of the second period and Jo was replaced by Louis Saha but the French striker did not receive the same service.

However, Everton did eventutally begin to press again and Liverpool 'keeper Pepe Reina had to be at his brilliant best to stop Tim Cahill's goalbound header before springing to his feet to deny Fellaini who looked certain to level the scores. That proved to be the turning point as just five minutes later Liverpool sealed all three points as Dirk Kuyt steered home the rebound after Howard had made a superb stop to deny substitute Albert Riera.

The second goal took the stuffing out of Everton who could have fallen further behind late on and they will disappointed to end an appalling week for the club with another defeat. Rafa Benitez meanwhile will be delighted to see his side climb to fifth in the table.