The Dutchman stayed strong in the six-yard box to nod a Steven Gerrard corner beyond Tim Howard 10 minutes into the second half to earn the Rafael Benitez's side bragging rights in the 213th Merseyside derby - and all this after Sotirios Kyrgiakos was dismissed in the 34th minute. After a fiery opening, it was Gerrard who had the the first effort on goal, when he whipped in a fierce free-kick which Howard did well to push out. Everton's first effort on goal came when Leighton Baines' free-kick was tipped comfortably over the bar by Jose Reina. But most of the action came from referee Martin Atkinson, who was forced to book both Steven Pienaar and Jamie Carragher - both after nasty-looking challenges. With the red mist still in evidence, it was no surprise to see the red card produced when Kyrgiakos was sent for an early bath. However, the Greek defender could consider himself rather unfortunate, as his lunge on Marouane Fellaini saw both players go in with their feet off the ground. In the final minute of the half, Gerrard came close to breaking the deadlock when his 25-yard free-kick struck the crossbar with Howard beaten. But the best chance was still to come with Tim Cahill heading a glorious opening over the bar from eight yards out in first-half stoppage time. But it was Liverpool who broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Kuyt stayed strong in the area to nod Gerrard's corner past Howard from just three yards out. Everton did their best to get back into the game and despite having the lion's share of possession, their best effort came with just two minutes remaining when Yakubu's volley from the edge of the area was palmed over the crossbar by Reina. Pienaar then collected his second booking in the fifth minute of stoppage time to ensure both teams finished 10-aside. As it was, the Reds comfortably held out to gain a morale-boosting three points that lifts them up to fourth in the table ahead of Tottenham's clash with Aston Villa on Saturday evening. Everton stay ninth.
