As a local product and boyhood Red Steven Gerrard will have realised the importance of a Liverpool win for bragging rights alone. However, the Anfield captain was equally happy to see his side move into the Premier League's top four.  

A 1-0 win over Everton extended an unbeaten run to seven top flight games.

Beating an old enemy made those facts all the sweeter but so too was gaining an edge over a side enjoying an equally impressive sequence of results.  

"We beat a very good Everton side today with 10 men so I think all the boys should enjoy this," Gerrard said. "They've been on a fantastic run so we're really pleased to stop them with 10 men and play some good football.

"We always knew that we were going to be up against it at times but we knew that if we could fight for set pieces and chances. If you get the right delivery, with fellas like Dirk on the pitch you always know you can get a goal."

Passion a key to many derbies was on display and though there were half a dozen bookings and two red cards waved the skipper felt referee Martin Atkinson allowed the game to flow as best he could.

"That's what derbies are all about - passion, commitment and fight," Gerrard continued. "I thought the referee was superb. He let tackles go, that's what derbies are all about. That's what the fans pay good money for - to see commitment.

"There were some mistimed tackles from both sides but we're not complaining and I don't think Everton will.

"I think, after today, confidence is sky high but we certainly won't get carried away. we've got two very difficult games on the road [against Arsenal and Manchester City] but if we show the same effort commitment as we did today, I don't see why we can't get points on the board."