Whether this proves a turning point in their campaign is entirely in their own hands. Benitez has always stated a run of wins could transform his team’s season, and it would be unforgivable to waste this platform.

Mascherano’s excessive celebrations after his Yobo-assisted opener, the midfielder running almost the full length of the field to gesticulate wildly in front of the travelling support, could be perceived as one in the eye for those who believe he would rather have been at the Camp Nou for Europe’s other big derby yesterday.

Clearly, the Argentine has rediscovered his mojo and was again Liverpool’s most impressive performer, followed closely by Jamie Carragher, another to have attracted criticism after an indifferent opening few months to the campaign.

This was the Carragher of old, revelling in his favourite fixture by launching into tackles and blocks while never giving an inch, complimented by the cool, composed but no less effective approach of centre-back partner Daniel Agger.

And the pair needed to be at their best with Everton’s search for an equaliser pushing Liverpool back for most of the first half. Jo, preferred as the lone striker by Moyes, twice had the ball in the net only to be correctly adjudged offside on each occasion, and also came close to connecting with Fellaini’s flick on from a Hibbert long ball.

A similar combination fashioned Everton’s best chance before the break, Hibbert’s long throw nodded on by Fellaini and eventually reaching the far post where an unmarked Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scuffed horribly wide from six yards.

Other than the goal, Liverpool’s only threat of note in the opening period came when Glen Johnson’s first real foray forward in the 41st minute culminated to the far post where an Emiliano Insua header was batted clear by a strong left arm from Howard.

After the interval, Reina, who had earlier spilled a Bilyaletdinov effort in the incessant rain, was almost embarrassed by a long-range Pienaar effort that momentarily slipped from his grasp.

But the goalkeeper made amends when making a fine save down to his left to keep out Cahill’s header from a clipped Heitinga free-kick before getting to his feet swift enough to block Fellaini’s follow-up from point blank range.

Everton were deflated. And their – and Yobo’s – misery was made complete 10 minutes from time when, after the Nigerian miscued while attempting to clear a Dirk Kuyt header from Reina’s deep free-kick, Gerrard retrieved the ball and teed up substitute Albert Riera, whose shot was parried by Howard into the path of Kuyt to stab home.

The Everton goalkeeper then saved from Riera to prevent a third goal that would have been faintly ridiculous in the context of the game. Happy days for Benitez and Liverpool, then. Everton, meanwhile, are still awaiting their good fortune.