|
Kuyt on the double for Liverpool
|
| Print |
|
E-mail
|
|
Sport
|
|
By Agencies
|
|
 | | Dirk Kuyt chose the Merseyside derby to open his goal-scoring account for the season |
Dirk Kuyt, Liverpool's Dutch striker, earned his side a dramatic victory over a nine-man Everton side as a controversial Merseyside derby ended in a 2-1 win for Rafa Benitez's men at Goodison Park.
Liverpool looked to be heading for defeat against their cross-town neighbours when Sami Hyypia's astonishing own goal gave the hosts a first half lead, but Kuyt kept his cool from the penalty spot to equalise after skipper Steven Gerrard had been fouled by Tony Hibbert in the 54th minute. Everton had to play the final 38 minutes with 10 men after referee Mark Clattenburg gave Hibbert a straight red card for his last-man challenge on Gerrard.
David Moyes's side looked like holding out for a point before captain Phil Neville deliberately handled the ball on the goal line to stop a goal-bound shot by Brazilian youngster Lucas, and also received his marching orders from Clattenburg.
Kuyt again stepped up to the spot and squeezed his shot under diving Everton keepr Tim Howard to seal victory in the 90th minute. "These games you need to play with the brain and we were playing with the heart." Rafa Benitez,
Liverpool manager
"We needed to keep the ball and to pass the ball."
Everton had been waiting for this game since an ill-advised and graceless outburst from Benitez following February's goalless draw at Anfield when he labeled the city's blue team a "small club". The remarks have not been forgotten at Everton.
Stoking the fires ahead of the high stakes encounter Alan Stubbs, Everton defender, mocked Liverpool's title credentials, making pointed reference to Benitez's lavish pre-season spending. Kuyt saves Hyypia's blushes
Fernando Torres's absence ensured Andriy Voronin got his first taste of a Merseyside derby and the Ukraine striker went close to making an early breakthrough when his fifth minute shot, following excellent work by Yossi Benayoun, was spilled by Howard.
However it was Everton who got on the board first when Hyypia gave his own keeper Pepe Reina no chance while attempting a clearance in the 38th minute.
The Finland international, who was criticised for his performance in his side's previous outing against Tottenham, volleyed past a shocked Reina after Everton defender Joleon Lescott had flicked on a cross by Stubbs.
Yet the visitors were gifted an undeserved equaliser in the early stages of the second half when Gerrard was hauled down by Hibbert just as the England midfielder was about to shoot inside the area.
Kuyt sent Howard the wrong way to score his first Premier League goal of the season, before converting again in stoppage time to break Everton hearts.
Recommend this article...
Tags: Dirk Kuyt Liverpool
|
More in News... 
Technorati Profile
