20.03.2005 - Gerrard, Garcia goals seal Derby win
Liverpool closed the gap on Everton to four points after a fine derby win at Anfield this afternoon, their first home win over Everton since 2000.
The Reds led by two goals at half time, after arguably their best 45 minutes of football of the season in the Premiership.
Steve Gerrard netted the opener on 27 minutes after a late challenge on Luis Garcia by Tony Hibbert. The Reds' captain side footed the free kick into the bottom corner of Nigel Martyn's goal to give Liverpool a deserved lead.
And they were soon 2-0 up after a dipping long range strike by Fernando Morientes caught Martyn by surprise, and the Blues' keeper could only parry the shot into an empty penalty area, with Luis Garcia quickest to react and head into the net.
James Beattie was introduced in the second half as Moyes looked to make the changes which would see Everton get back into the match, but Liverpool remained on top and should have gone further ahead through Milan Baros, who missed two one on one chances to put the game beyond Everton.
And things got worse for the Czech striker, after he was given a straight red card for violent conduct after a wild challenge on Alan Stubbs midway through the half.
With Warnock, Hamann and Morientes all having left the field injured in the first half, Benitez was unable to make any further changes and the remaining 10 men were forced to hang onto the lead, with Everton looking more dangerous as the game wore on, and taking full advantage of the extra man.
Tim Cahill gave Everton fans hope after he fired a low shot past Dudek on 82 minutes, but Liverpool bravely held on to claim three vital points in the chase for fourth place.
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