Liverpool overcame the early sending-off of defender Sotiros Kyrgiakos to beat city rivals Everton 1-0 in a fiercly-contested Premier League Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Kyrgiakos was red-carded for a challenge on Marouane Fellaini, who was lucky to escape the same punishment, after 34 minutes in one of several wild first-half tackles.

Everton were unbeaten in nine league games going into the match but Liverpool won it 10 minutes into the second half when Dirk Kuyt headed in a Steven Gerrard corner.

They then defended without too many scares to claim the win which took them into the top four before the remaining weekend fixtures.

Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time.

In today's later games, Manchester United can go top of the league with a home win over bottom club Portsmouth. Leaders Chelsea play Arsenal at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

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