After failing to beat Spurs at home, preceded by an awful display at home against Marseille in the Champions League, the international break could not have come early enough for Liverpool.

Whilst it could be argued that the previous international lay-off broke their momentum, coming just after the 6-0 rout of Derby County, this time it was welcomed, even though it robbed Rafael Benitez of some precious time to work with his lads.

With the Merseyside derby following the break, it was even better, as such games usually throw the form book out of the window.

'Momo Sissoko being presented with a chance face to face with the keeper is like offering a deliciously cooked fillet to a vegetarian'


Liverpool seemed to start the better of the two teams, but gradually they surrendered their dominance and looked every bit like the unconfident side of a fortnight ago. Sami Hyypia added salt to the wound by beating his own keeper Pepe Reina with an exquisite finish. Whilst the loyal Finn was very unlucky, the deficit wasn’t unexpected or harsh - a bit like a rainy day in winter with the weather not being too bad.

For the first time this season, the Reds made their way to the dressing room at half-time a goal down.

Steven Gerrard had been rather indifferent lately - and in the first 45 minutes he wasn’t having his best day, and a frown was fixed on his face. Then, in the 53rd minute, Andriy Voronin passed to him and with Everton still in Liverpool’s half after being awarded a corner, the Liverpool captain accelerated towards the home goal and only a foul by Tony Hibbert stopped him with the goal at his mercy.

For the first time this season, the official in black awarded the Reds a penalty and sent Hibbert off. Dirk Kuyt took responsibility, sending the keeper to his left and the ball to his right to level the score and open his account in this season’s Premier League. Game on.

Eighteen minutes later the boss decided to take his captain off. For the first time in four years, with the points still being chased for, an uninjured Gerrard was substituted. The skipper was shocked, but with dignity and calmness he handed the armband to Jamie Carragher and trotted off the pitch.

Considering his substitute was Lucas Leiva, the 20-year-old Brazilian who hadn’t had a taste of the Premier League up to that point, never mind a full-blooded Merseyside derby, the decision looked even stranger. All kind of thoughts were going through my mind. A mate sitting next to me told me Rafa just wanted to make a point every time. Another pal texted me and said it was unbelievable. For a minute I thought it was a clash of personalities. For Rafa, though, it was another decision.

Liverpool's impetus continued; chances were created, chances were missed. The best fell to Momo Sissoko, but Momo being presented with a chance face to face with the keeper is like offering a deliciously cooked fillet to a vegetarian. He screwed the ball horribly. The Malian looked to be improving at the start of the season, even scoring his first goal for Liverpool against Sunderland, but at the moment his passing is awful. He is no Igor Biscan, never mind Patrick Vieira.

With the clocking ticking fast, Liverpool looked set to keep their unbeaten record but fail again to get the three points they so badly needed. For the second time in succession, though, they scored in the dying minutes - in the added minutes to be more exact.

Kuyt was denied by a Tim Howard save, the rebound falling to Leiva, who had a shot at goal which was handled by Phil Neville on the line. Gary’s sweeter brother lay on the turf waiting for the inevitable red card, and the ice-cold Kuyt kept his nerves and for the second to convert the penalty and give the three points to Liverpool.

Some more drama was still in the offing, with Everton protesting for a penalty when Carragher tangled with Joleon Lescott.  The final whistle then transformed all Carragher’s passion and adrenaline into one long sprint to the travelling Reds with arms wide aloft.

The derby enabled Liverpool to get back on the winning track the hard way. The gloomy thunder cloud during the half-time break failed to turn into rain, and a clearer sky is now above us. Besiktas next Wednesday and even more the high-flying Arsenal on Sunday will test our skies even further and confirm whether it is that  star that I can see so far off.

Were Liverpool lucky - and should Everton have had a penalty at the end? Post your comments below.