Martin Atkinson’s unjustified sending off of Jack Rodwell changed the complexion of the game but also gave us an opportunity to see a Liverpool team keep its composure when faced with what could have been a volatile encounter. Atkinson’s performance post sending off also contributed to the game continuing without real further controversy but when he sees a replay of the red card he will see what a poor decision it was.
Patience was rewarded in the second half with the two goals, and, as he did at Arsenal, Kenny introduced substitutes to finally open up a stubborn defence. Steven Gerrard mainly strolled but still dictated the midfield when he came on and Craig Bellamy’s industry and direct running created the opportunity for a hard working but somewhat out of sorts Andy Carroll to score his first Premier League goal of the campaign. It is of course a clichéd hope that such an important goal will kick start the big Geordie’s Anfield season. His partnership with Luis Suarez is clearly not gelling yet but with both men on the scoresheet today Dalglish will not care. The manager may have considered taking Carroll off and pushing Kuyt further forward but keeping him on proved to be a smart choice and good man management.
The performance today was fitful, it seemed for a while in the first half as if the Reds were feeling sheepish about the sending off, but with a little more luck the margin of victory could have been greater. Charlie Adam’s strike was worthy of a goal as was Dirk Kuyt’s flick from Suarez’s quick corner, the woodwork denying both players at the end of each respective half. In between both Carroll and Gerrard were denied by deflections. Earlier Kuyt’s poorly taken penalty saw an opportunity wasted and Suarez’s tame header should have made Tim Howard work harder. It wasn’t the blood and thunder encounter that these occasions often are and that suited the Reds. When steel was required Lucas provided it and Dalglish acknowledged his performance with an almost fatherly pride as he substituted the Brazilian with a few minutes remaining.
At the end of a four game run that has seen frustration at Stoke, humiliation at Spurs, satisfaction against Wolves and jubilation at Goodison the opportunity to get within three points of a so far rampant United by beating them at Anfield cannot be sniffed at. With these two fixtures back-to-back, international break notwithstanding, the difference between them seems clear. While the derby may no longer be as friendly off the field as it once was it still retains an element of a community divided rather than enemies joined. With memories of the mid eighties cup finals and the chants of “Merseyside” that filled Wembley from both ends not quite extinguished I almost felt sorry for Everton today (almost). If a similar sending off occurs in our favour in two weeks time I will be hoping for another. The taste of victory over United is only improved if Ferguson has a spoonful of injustice to swallow it down with. Bring it on.