Saturday’s derby had echoes of four years earlier, when Liverpool overcame the early sending-off of Steven Gerrard to beat their neighbours at Anfield.

And Carragher has hailed the strong team spirit that is helping Benitez’s side transform their disappointing season, having now returned to the top four for the first time since October.

“It’s a credit to the lads, all of us pulling together,” said the veteran defender.

“We were in a similar situation a few years ago when Stevie got sent off a bit earlier and we still got the right result. I think doing it again is a big credit to everyone at the club and for the supporters for sticking behind us and dragging us across the line. If there’s one thing you hope to never get accused of in a Merseyside derby, no matter what the result, it’s that you lack fight and desire.

“Maybe 10 or 15 years ago that used to get thrown at Liverpool but it’s not something that could get thrown at us in the last decade. We’ve done really well and for the likes of Stevie and myself the derby means a lot to us and right from the start you’ve got to make your presence felt and that’s what we did.”

Liverpool have now won five of the last six Merseyside league derbies and secured their fourth Premier League double over Everton.

And Carragher added: “It’s always a great result because when you beat Everton there’s always a little bit more attached to it.

“I think the circumstances made it a little bit better as well because we had to dig in and show a bit of character.

“It was always going to be a tough game 11 against 11 because Everton have been on a great run so to go down to 10 men for almost an hour and still get the win makes it extra special, but if you look at the league table it’s still only three points.”