Dirk Kuyt displayed nerves of steel to earn Liverpool a dramatic victory over nine-man Everton as a controversial Merseyside derby ended in a 2-1 win.
Liverpool looked to be heading for defeat against their neighbours when Sami Hyypia's astonishing own goal gave the hosts a first half lead.
But Kuyt kept his cool from the penalty spot to equalise after skipper Steven Gerrard had been fouled by Tony Hibbert.
Everton were forced to play the final 38 minutes with 10 men after Hibbert was dismissed by referee Mark Clattenburg for his foul on Gerrard.
Yet David Moyes's side looked like holding out for a point before Kuyt won it from the penalty spot with virtually the last kick of an absorbing game after Phil Neville had handled a goal-bound shot by Lucas which earned the Everton captain his marching orders.
The hosts had waited for this game since an ill-advised and graceless outburst from Benitez following February's goalless draw at Anfield.
Annoyed by what he saw as Everton's negativity, rather than focusing on his own team's impotence, Benitez made a reference to "small clubs", much to the fury of all at Goodison Park. The remarks have not been forgotten at Everton.
Stoking the fires ahead of the high stakes encounter, defender Alan Stubbs opted to pour scorn on Liverpool's title credentials, making pointed reference to Benitez's lavish pre-season spending.
No comments:
Post a Comment