Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish finally got a series of referee decisions to go his way – to make it possible for Liverpool to win its derby with Everton on Saturday.
Dalglish, who recently has flayed referee decisions – after a few went against him – saw Martin Atkinson send off Evertonian Jack Rodwell early in the first half for what, according to replays, was not even a yellow card foul on Luis Suarez.
That sent the tone for the game and Liverpool took until the middle half of the second half to open up the Everton defence.
Everton did well to hold its rival during a bruising contest. Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard dived low to his left to save Dirk Kuyt's penalty just before the break.
But the Reds broke through in the 71st when Jose Enrique picked out Andy Carroll inside the box for the opening goal.
Luis Suarez ensured Liverpool won the 216th Merseyside derby 2-0, scoring the second goal and being involved in an opponent's red card).