6 Feb 08:48
Liverpool (1) 1 - 0 (0) Everton
A momentary lapse in concentration from Tim Howard allowed Dirk Kuyt to head home and ensure Evertonians are forced to endure another year without a win at Anfield.
The first half had been a frantic affair, with Liverpool's Greek defender sent off for a two-footed challenge which left Marouane Fellaini requiring x-rays to rule out any breaks in his foot. The injury gave Mikel Arteta a chance to shine but his hour long appearance wasn't enough to rescue anything from the game.
Tim Cahill came closest for the Blues with a header that flashed off the top of the bar but it wasn't until mid-way through the second half that the Blues troubled the Kop goal again, with Cahill firing a tame shot at Reina.
Down to ten men, the Kopites parked the bus, and only late sub Yakubu had another opportunity, hitting an opportunistic shot from 30 yards that almost caught Reina by surprise but the Spaniard tipped it over.
Steven Pienaar was sent off deep into stoppage time for daring to challenge Steven Gerrard for a header, although after Gerrard had done his best to re-enact his horror challenge from several years ago on Gary Naysmith, the referee clearly felt that there was intent.
The second half against ten men really should have seen a more urgent Everton, but the build-up play was all too slow and predictable. Discuss this on our forums
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