Kuyt Penalties Gave Reds Derby Win

Everton 1 Liverpool 2
Hyypia (og) 38 - Kuyt Pens 54, 90

The 206th Merseyside Derby was won by the red half last night. A match full of non-stop action and controversy ended on a high note for Liverpool who managed to grab the stop-page time winner. Dirk Kuyt was the one who scored both penalties for the Reds while the Evertonians may feel a little unjust.



The first half probably belonged to the blue half. Everton was playing on a high tempo, pressuring Liverpool from the start. Liverpool had some half chances but still, the home side was dominating with Lescott the main man running down the left flank of the field. They got their goal they wanted by an bizarre own goal by veteran Sami Hyypia. His clearance seemed to have mis-kicked, off the post into his own net. It's a bad time to concede, considering Liverpool's current poor form.

Having said that, Liverpool came on top in the second. Captain Stevie, who was criticised for his poor form lately, launched onto a through ball from Voroninn, sprinting through the middle with only Tony Hibbert along with him. Gerrard was too strong and quick that Hibbert had no choice but to pull him down. To me, it's a clear penalty. Hibbert was then sent off for conducting a professional foul.

The TV replays showed that Gerrard seemed to have change referee Mark Clattenburg's mind. He was holding a yellow card on his hand, but gave Hibbert the red instead after hearing words from Steven. Dirk Kuyt was there to slot home the equaliser.



With our neighbours down with ten men, it's a great time for us to put more pressure and try winning the game. Steven Gerrard was beginning to play better as the game commences, however, Rafa Benitez substituted him with young Brazilian, Lucas Levia. This change was surprising, or I should say shocking for many Liverpool fans out there, even our captain himself. I do not know the main reason, but Rafa's mystery move gambled well.

Young Lucas came on in and performed pretty well. Much better than Momo Sissoko who was as usual poor, losing possession in the middle, missing a clear chance after a nice through ball from Kuyt. Many would have felt that Lucas should have replaced Momo, not Gerrard.



Lucas had a major part to play in winning the game for Liverpool. His shot just inside the penalty area was dramatically saved by Phil Neville, being a stand-by "goalkeeper". The former Manchester United player who scored an own goal against us back then, had no choice but to stick out his arm to save Lucas shot out of the goal.

It's an another penalty for the Reds, another sending off for the Blues. Kuyt was there with his cool finish towards the left slight touch of Tim Howards' arm. It was an big relief for the Liverpool fans, players and of course, Rafa Benitez. His decision of taking Steven Gerrard off would be heavily criticised if we fail to beat Everton.

Match Highlights..




A hard fought derby which handed up in our hands. With many tough games ahead, especially against Bekitas and Arsenal, we really have to improve on our play and keep the form going. Taking chances is crucial especially on tight games like these.

Walk on Reds, I've faith in you.


You'll Never Walk Alone..