TIM HOWARD: Clearly disappointed to have let Gerrard’s shot slip through his hands in the near post but redeemed himself with stunning reactions to thwart the same player moments later. Score 6

TONY HIBBERT: It’s only Steven Gerrard who has managed to score past Everton since Hibbert came back and that looks less of a coincidence with each passing game. Score 7

LEIGHTON BAINES: Almost caught out by his tendency to overplay when deep in his own half but he can be forgiven feeling confident in light of the outstanding displays he is currently putting in. Score 7

PHIL JAGIELKA: Surely only a difficulty in pronouncing his name would prevent Fernando Torres from naming him next time he is asked for his ‘most difficult opponent’. Score 9

JOLEON LESCOTT: Got in the way of absolutely everything – even Tim Cahill’s goalbound header, which he diverted in for another important goal. Score 9

LEON OSMAN: One of those days when nothing came off, even sometimes the most basic of passes. Did have Everton’s first attempt at goal of the game, but it was wider than Mido. Score 6

PHIL NEVILLE: It’s little wonder this is his favourite position – David Moyes can try to move him from him from it if he so wishes but, as is the case with most of Neville’s current opponents these days, it’s a battle he won’t win. Score 8

SEGUNDO CASTILLO: There’s no doubting that the Ecuadorian, thanks to his tenacious tackling and burly presence, has a role to play in this team. But the Mikel Arteta one of creating and passing clearly isn’t it. Score 6

STEVEN PIENAAR: He’s not much bigger than the Duracell Bunny but he can go on a lot longer. Great energy and enthusiasm, especially when carrying the ball away from the danger areas. Score 7

TIM CAHILL: Not the most popular figure at Anfield given his scoring exploits. Liverpool’s defence certainly steer well clear of him. Score 7

VICTOR ANICHEBE: Not quite as imposing as he was in the first game last Monday but played his part with a lot of unrewarded running. Score 6

SUBS: DAN GOSLING (for Anichebe 71): A lively late outlet. Score 6

JACK RODWELL (for Castillo 75): Comfortably slotted in to see the game out.

All ratings by NICK SMITH