Liverpool down Everton 2-0

Liverpool down 10-man Everton 2-0 to win local bragging rights; Man City, Man United resume fight for top spot with impressive victories

Andy Carroll inspired Liverpool's 2-0 win over 10-man Everton in a controversial Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday. David Moyes' side were forced to play with 10 men for more than an hour after Jack Rodwell was harshly sent off by referee Martin Atkinson midway through the first half for a robust challenge on Luis Suarez.


Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt (centre) unsuccessfully attempts to convert
a penalty during Saturday's EPL clash with Everton in Liverpool.
PIC/AFP

Despite their numerical advantage Liverpool laboured to make the breakthrough and Tim Howard looked like being Everton's hero after denying Dirk Kuyt from the penalty spot at the end of the first half. But Carroll's first goal in 10 league appearances in the 71st minute put Liverpool in control before Suarez made the game safe eight minutes from the end.

Meanwhile, Manchester City moved on from the Carlos Tevez row with an emphatic 4-0 win over Blackburn while Premier League title rivals Manchester United also secured a less fluent 2-0 victory against Norwich.

Adam Johnson put City in front in the 56th minute. Four minutes later Mario Balotelli made it two with a neat volleyed finish from Samir Nasri's cross. The Frenchman added one of his own in the 73rd minute before substitute Stefan Savic headed home his first for the club. City suffered the additional blow of an injury to Sergio Aguero. Anderson and Danny Welbeck ensured all three points for United with fine second half strikes.

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