Post mortem of derby

Everton 1 Liverpool 2 was the final scoreline, and mathematically, that is the only thing that matters.

With a game of 2 red cards and the atmosphere of World War III, it is a typical derby game; expected and fulfilled. Liverpool had a very weird starting line up, with just Dirk Kuyt as the lone striker. Voronin started in a right wing familiar and that is certainly not his best position. Neither Aberloa or Pennant, both who have played in every Liverpool game up to date are not starting, and a flat defensive midfield pairing of Sisoko and Marsherano. It looked like a very negative tactic to me.

Other than Voronin's good chance and Riise's Free kick, Everton looked more dangerous in the first half, with Lescott proving his qualities. I knew the formation wasn't working, the defense looks vulnerable and Everton made a few really good chances for themselves. They might have 0 shots on Target but a mixed up by Hyppia gave the home team the lead when the ex-captain finished the ball in his own net. And the first half ends 1-0. To be honest, most of the referee's decisions favours Everton.

Looks like another disappointing outing for Liverpool as their form drops again. Second half commences and I saw Voronin feeding gerrard, releasing him to a very inspirational run, before getting brought down by Hibbert. Replays showed that Gerrard was brought down outside the penalty box, but nevertheless, it was a 50-50 decision, and a one on one chance meant direct red, no matter what level of football is played. Kuyt stepped up and slotted in his first goal in the EPL this season.

Gerrard continued to play very well, showing that he is back in business until suddenly everyone was shocked that Benitez took the Captain out and replaced him with Leiva Lucas. Leiva Lucas is a bright talent, but in a derby game, level on goals and opponents down to 10 men, its about time to take out one of the defensive midfielders instead and maybe place crouch in front. This substitution makes me question Benitez's tactics. Yes Gerrard had 2 rough England games, and 2 big fixtures is coming up, but this is a much heated derby to rest him that soon.

The substitution almost backfired when Liverpool did make their attacks but wasted their chances. And I have to admit, some players are too greedy for glory instead of putting the team first. But when the sky gets darker and the world seemed doomed, A Leiva had a chance to score in his EPL debut until Phil Neville blocked the shot with his hand, which had gotten him sent off. I don't blame him. Rather risk a red card and hope that the penalty is not converted then a direct goal.

Kuyt once again put the ball behind Howard and 2-1 to Liverpool. Everton Never gave up. A really bad Carragher tackle on Lescott which is a clear penalty on any other day in the last second caused some panic on the reds. But in the end, 2-1 the final score and 3 points coming this way :)