COLUMNIST PAUL TRAILL

Match Report - You just can't beat it!

We were simply mystified by the plan not only to close the Wallasey tunnel on the same day as the derby but also to schedule a load of engineering work on the MerseyRail Wirral Line. Good thing we?d set off early then as we got held up by bus replacement services en route to Goodison Park.

Quite a few of us congregated in The Brick for this one including Jay, an Australian Liverpool fan who?s moved over to the area, sampling his first taste of a Merseyside derby? in the Lower Gwladys.

We were boosted in the pub by the news that Jagielka had been declared fit and so started at centre back alongside Distin. This meant Heitinga could play in midfield rather than Neville. ?That?s a much better team? admitted Jay. The surprise news for Liverpool was the omission from the squad of Glen Johnson?meaning Jamie Carragher slotted in at right back with Kyrgiakos and Skrtel partnering in central defence.

We took to our seats just as the Z-Cars rang out. The atmosphere was rocking. As expected there were a few pro-Hicks & Gillette USA banners in the Gwladys Street, whilst the lad sat next to Jay even sported a Donald Duck beak! Howard Webb was the referee. Liverpool won the toss and so we attacked the Park End in the first half.

As expected the match began at a very high tempo with Osman in particular setting the tone and not giving Carragher a second of peace. Everton seemed committed and sharp into the tackle with Liverpool struggling to adapt to the pace of the game? Torres anonymous in attack. With a lot of tackles flying in it was just as well Webb let a few things go in the game and wasn?t so whistle happy? or card happy for that matter.

Whilst Everton appeared in comfortable control of the game Reina was not really tested much in the opening quarter? Everton?s best opportunities were only really half chances and were both blasted over the crossbar from Distin and Jagielka respectively.

Everton continued to toil and got their reward when Coleman got away down the right hand side and cut the ball back into the box. Skrtel got a deflection on the ball and it broke nicely for Cahill who finished beautifully, catching the ball nicely on the half volley and into the net past Reina. Cahill sparred with the corner flag. Liverpool players looked around at each other dejectedly.

In a strange way this spurred Liverpool on slightly and they put together their best passage of play albeit with no end product? Torres heading tamely at goal? Howard tipping over comfortably. At the other end the best chance of note came when Osman drove powerfully at goal though straight at Reina, and Yakubu also forced a save out of the Spanish keeper at some point. Half time? a worryingly comfortable 1-0 lead.

It was nice to see ?super? Kevin Campbell receiving such a great reception from the crowd at half time? we all still fondly recall his winner at Anfield back in 1999 of course. Everton had to change things at the break with the busy Osman coming off injured to be replaced by Bilyaletdinov on the left hand side.

Liverpool started the second half quite strongly and had us under a bit of pressure. This didn?t last to long however as Everton won a corner. Baines delivery was cleared by Kyrgiakos and collected by Arteta. Our little Spaniard cushioned the ball and unleashed it back at goal, and past Reina in the crowded box. Goodison Park went wild.

With a long, long time to go in the game it appeared risky for Everton to sit back and let Liverpool attack, but this they did and I suppose you?d have to say it seemed the right idea. For all their huffing and puffing Liverpool just didn?t do enough to repair any of the damage. Howard was comfortably equal to anything they managed to get on target?everything else was wayward. Torres felt he had a penalty shout following a minor collision with Jagielka, though substitute Beckford felt he had a decent shout himself? neither of which were given.

Beckford could actually have really wrapped things up with a chance on the break, though could only clip over the crossbar with a reasonable opportunity. Gary was praying he wouldn?t score as he stood to win £70 with his 2-0 Cahill first goal bet? his prayers were answered and the full time whistle granted him his win. As we left the ground Jay placed a tenner in my hand? I?d forgotten about a £10 bet I?d had with him also. Kudos to Howard Webb by the way. I thought he had an exceptional game as the referee.

So what next for Liverpool? They?re apparently sorted off the pitch now but oh my, what a mess they have on it. 19th in the league and really struggling all over the pitch. Hodgson has a hell of a job to do there.

So what next for Everton? Hopefully this means we?re well and truly over our slump and can get ourselves back near the top. Spurs away next and we?ll only be 2 points behind Spurs should we win next Saturday? it could be quite a game at The Lane.

We all met back in The Brick after the game for a quick pint before heading into town for a few drinks, finally abandoning the train and getting the bus home instead. A great day at the game?a great win for the blues?I?d forgotten what that derby day feel-good factor felt like.

Player Ratings

Howard: Not a huge amount to do really but got himself behind everything when called upon. 7

Baines: You often see him getting forward a lot more than today so it was just as well he was solid defensively. 8

Distin: Awesome. Certainly one of our best players. Was comprehensively solid. 9

Jagielka: Complimented Distin nicely and was very composed throughout. 7

Neville: Solid. Not much got past him, and did just fine in midfield later on when called upon. 8

Heitinga: Really struggling to impress this season and continued that trend in this one. I got the impression he was faking injury a little to be substituted. He really needs to improve if he?s going to get a regular slot in the team this season?unless he gets his move away in January of course. 4

Arteta: Did very well before coming off injured. Scored an excellent goal and kept plugging away in the middle. 8

Osman: Was excellent before subbed with his injury. Never gave Carragher a second on the ball and caused several mis-placed passes and clearances. This really set the tone for the game and the crowd and many of his teammates seemed to buzz from this. Was a shame he had to come off. 8

Coleman: A little lost at times but kept on going. Set up the first goal also of course and certainly played his part. 7

Cahill: My man of the match. Was everywhere. Appeared injured but kept on going and of course got the important first goal. A monumental performance from our fantastic little Aussie. 9

Yakubu: Was brilliant for an hour before fading though he was living off scraps for most of the second half. He worked hard, was strong on the ball and linked up well with the midfield. Just needs a goal I reckon and he?ll be flying again. 8

Bilyaletdinov (for Osman): Whilst he offered little in terms of production he certainly filled plenty of holes defensively which was what his orders were once we were 2-0 ahead. Could have done more yes, but I was happy with his work defensively. 7

Hibbert (for Heitinga): Filled in just fine. 6

Beckford (for Arteta): Put himself about though did miss a reasonable chance I suppose. 6

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