Liverpool v Everton: Liverpool FC player ratings

Mar 31 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

PEPE REINA: Rarely had a real save to make after smothering Mikel Arteta’s early effort. And generally dealt well when Everton threatened from set-pieces in the second half. Score 7

JAMIE CARRAGHER: It may not be his favourite position, but as ever Carragher was his typically combative self. Winning tackles, getting in blocks and occasionally linking well with DIrk Kuyt. Score 7

JOHN ARNE RIISE: A rare start for the Norwegian and he saw one effort deflected just over. Got better as the match wore on and generally gave a solid performance. Score 7

SAMI HYYPIA: Dominant display from the Finn. Generally had the better of the isolated Yakubu, winning headers, blocking and tackling. His inch-perfect tackle on Yakubu epitomised superb display. Score 9

MARTIN SKRTEL: No-nonsense defending of the type derby stalwarts like Tommy Smith and Ron Yeats would have appreciated. On the rare occasions Yakubu got past him, partner Hyypia was there to snuff out the danger. Score 8

LUCAS LEIVA: Went close on a couple of occasions, and never hid on his full derby debut. Solid enough, but gave the ball away on too many occasions in the heat of the battle. Score 6

XABI ALONSO: Played integral part in the goal, dispossessing Yakubu for Kuyt to flick on for Torres. Worked hard and had a real tussle with compatriot and friend Arteta to wrest control of the midfield. Score 7

RYAN BABEL: Had a frustrating match. His pace took him into dangerous areas, but he could never get the better of Tony Hibbert. He wasted his final ball too often and made way for Benayoun late on. Score 5

DIRK KUYT: Worked tirelessly for the cause in attack and defence and was involved in a lot of Liverpool’s best moments. Nice flick for Torres to fire in the winner and he could easily have scored himself with more luck and control in his finishing. Score 8

STEVEN GERRARD: Unlucky not to have scored two goals with wonderful long-range efforts, but was denied by a post and superb save from Tim Howard. Played an intelligent match, and never let the derby emotion sway him from pushing Liverpool on the attack. Score 8

FERNANDO TORRES: His battle with Joseph Yobo was an intriguing sideshow. But for his match-winning goal on his derby debut with a real striker’s finish, the Spaniard just shades Hyypia for man of the match. Score 9

YOSSI BENAYOUN (on for Babel 82).

JERMAINE PENNANT (on for Torres 89).

PETER CROUCH (on for Gerrard 90).