PEPE REINA: His alertness prevented a chance for Saha in the first-half, but apart from saves from range to deny Baines and Yakubu, the goalkeeper was surprisingly unemployed. Score: 6
JAMIE CARRAGHER: Excelled when shifting back to his preferred centre-back role following the dismissal of Kyrgiakos, putting his body on the line time after time. Picked up a silly booking, however. Score: 8
SOTIRIOS KYRGIAKOS: Was enjoying the aerial battle against the Everton attack until overstepping the mark with his reckless tackle on Fellaini that brought a deserved red card. Score: 5
DANIEL AGGER: Favoured ahead of Martin Skrtel, the Dane was a rare cool head on an afternoon when passions were running high, and defended stoutly once Liverpool were reduced to 10 men. Score: 7
EMILIANO INSUA: Although twice exposed by the pace of Donovan, the Argentine stuck to his task and played his part in keeping Everton’s charge at bay during the final quarter. Score: 6
LUCAS: The Brazilian has been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers of the campaign and here he delivered a disciplined, effective display in protecting the back four. Score: 7
JAVIER MASCHERANO: Escaped serious injury after being caught by a nasty Pienaar tackle, and then slotted in effortlessly as a makeshift right-back following Kyrgiakos’s dismissal. Score: 8
DIRK KUYT: Never gave Baines a moment’s peace and epitomised Liverpool’s strong work ethic with a non-stop display, his persistence paying off with the vital goal. Man of the match. Score: 8
STEVEN GERRARD: Another improved performance from the skipper, who set the standard with a passionate, all-action outing. Score: 8
MAXI RODRIGUEZ: The game completely passed the Argentine by in the first-half but he became more influential once Liverpool went ahead and sought to counter-attack. Score: 6
DAVID NGOG: Too often an isolated figure as the lone striker but was better after the break and gave Distin a few moments of consternation before tiring. Score: 6
RYAN BABEL (sub 64 mins): On for Ngog, Liverpool looked to the Dutchman’s pace but too often he gave the ball away cheaply. Score: 5
