Liverpool started really brightly yesterday and got their reward after only seven minutes. Xabi Alonso tackled a dithering Yakubu on the edge of the Everton penalty area, the ball ran loose to Dirk Kuyt who played in Fernando Torres and his fine shot across goal made it 28 for the season.
Torres then turned creator, setting up Kuyt, but the Dutchman's shot was deflected wide by Tony Hibbert. Kuyt then had a great chance from a corner when Steven Gerrard's cross left Tim Howard in the Everton goal stranded. Any connection on the ball would have made it 2-0 but Kuyt was inches short.
Ryan Babel then had a fine chance when John Arne Riise's cross split the two Blue centre-backs but Babel was unable to get a foot on the ball.
Steven Gerrard came close to doubling the lead just before the break but his 25 yard volley cannoned back off the post.
It was slightly worrying that the Reds couldn't turn their dominance into a second goal, especially since the second half was a tighter affair, but with Sami Hyypia and Martin Skrtel on top form the Bitters were never going to score an equaliser.
Dirk Kuyt saw a quick shot go an inch wide of the post just before the end and Gerrard had another 25 yard volley saved by Howard in injury time but 1-0 was enough for the Reds to open up a five point lead over the side that aren't Scousers any more.
