After failing to beat Spurs at home, proceeded by an awful display at home against Marseille in the Champions League, the international break could not come early enough. Whilst it could be argued the first international break has broken Liverpool’s momentum, being just after the six-nil rout over Derby County, this time it was welcomed, even though it has robbed Rafael Benitez some precious time to work with his lads. Being the Merseyside derby, it was even better, as such games usually throw the form book out of the window.

Liverpool seemed to start the better of the two teams, and had the better chance when Yossi Benayoun profited from a misunderstanding between a pair of Everton defenders and sneaked into their penalty area. Being closed down and without a clear sight of their goal, the Jew showed his altruism and passed to the advancing Andriy Voronin. The Ukrainian had a decent shot at goal but was central enough for Tim Howard to save without much difficulty and agility needed. Gradually though, Liverpool were surrendering their dominance and looked every bit like the unconfident side of a fortnight ago. Sami Hyypia then added salt to the injury by beating Pepe’ Reina with an exquisite finish. Whilst the loyal Finn was dead unlucky, the deficit wasn’t unexpected or harsh, a bit like a rainy day in winter with the weather not being too bad.
For the first time this season, the red men made their way to the dressing room at half-time a goal down.

Steven Gerrard had been rather indifferent lately, fitting well with the off-form Liverpool. Yesterday, in the first forty-five minutes, he wasn’t having his best day, with his frown fixed on his face. Then, at the fifty-third minute, Voronin passed to him and with Everton still in Liverpool’s half after being awarded a corner, he accelerated with conviction towards the Everton goal and only an infringement by Tony Hibbert stopped him from having a shot with the goal at his mercy. For the first time this season, the official in black awarded Liverpool a penalty and sent the latter off. Dirk Kuyt took responsibility, sent the keeper to his left, and the ball to his right to level the score and open his account in this season’s Premiership. Game on.

Eighteen minutes later though, the boss decided to take his captain off. For the first time in four years, with the points still being chased for, an uninjured Gerrard was taken off. The captain was shocked, but with dignity and calmness handed the armband to Jamie Carragher and trotted off the pitch. Considering his substitute being Lucas Leiva, the Brazilian twenty year old who hasn’t had any taste of the Premiership so far, never mind the full blooded Merseyside derby, the decision even looked stranger. All kind of thoughts were going through my mind. A mate sitting next to me told me Rafa just wants to make a point every time. Another mate, and a good red texted me and told me it’s unbelievable. I for a minute thought it’s a clash of personalities. For Rafa though, it was another decision.

Liverpool impetus continued, chances got created, chances got missed. The best chance fell on Momo Sissoko, but Momo being presented with a chance face to face with the keeper is like offering a deliciously cooked fillet to a vegetarian. He screwed the ball horribly. The Malian looked to be improving at the start of the season, even scoring his first goal for Liverpool against Sunderland but at the moment his passing is too awful. He is no Igor Biscan, never mind Patrick Vieira.

With the clocking ticking fast, Liverpool looked to keep their unbeaten record but failed again to get the three points so badly needed. For the second time in succession though, Liverpool scored in the dying minutes, in the added minutes to be more exact. Kuyt was denied by a Howard save, the rebound fell to Gerrard’s substitute Leiva who had a shot at goal only to be handled by Phil Neville on the line. Gary’s sweeter brother laid on the turf before the inevitable red card, and the ice cold Kuyt kept his nerves and for the second time went to his right from the penalty spot to beat Howard and give the three points to Liverpool.

Some more drama was still in the offing, with Everton protesting for a penalty. Everton and protests are not too innovative though. Yesterday’s protests seemed to be more animated than those against the Kirkby move though. The final whistle then transformed all Carragher’s passion and adrenaline into one long sprint with arms wide aloft to the travelling reds.

The derby enabled Liverpool to get back on the winning track, the hard way. The gloomy thundercloud during the half-time break failed to rain, and a clearer sky is now above us. Besiktas next Wednesday and even more the high-flying Arsenal on Sunday will test our skies even further and confirm whether is that a star that I can see so far off.