Liverpool 1 Everton 0

I called in sick today and was supposed to get a bed rest. But the thought of last night's derby win is keeping me up since before Subuh till now.

We started the game alright. Carra wins the first 50-50 challenge of the game and the crowd roars in appreciation. The derby game between two fiercest rivals in the country is starting to get hot and sweaty.

And yes it is a hot and messy affair. Pienaar's challenge on Mascherano should be awarded a red card instead of a yellow, and the referee Mr. Martin Atkinson has a good view on it. It is even worse than Masch's tackle on Ben Haim at Fratton Park. Liverpool players are getting battered up all over the pitch by a 'good' Evertonian side who looks more interested in playing rugby than football.

A series of crunching, leg-breaking tackles follows. Dirk Kuyt is kicked in the face by Fellaini, who escapes punishment. Halfway through the first half, Lucas loses possession in Liverpool half and Fellaini steals the ball. Lucas tries to get it back but Fellaini manages dodge his challenge. At this moment, Kyrgiakos comes lunging toward Fellaini in a two-footed, studs up manner. Fellaini, realising that a massive Greek centre back is coming to get him, plays his part well by stamping on Kyrgiakos' leg. Both boys are in trouble there but only Kyrgiakos is punished. Straight red, and so he's off for an early shower.

All downhill from here? Not for us. Playing against a team with a one man advantage is always difficult, but we've done it before. In 2006, Steven Gerrard was sent off only after 20minutes after the starting whistle, yet we managed to claw our way back in the game to win it 3-1. So why can't we do it today?

The answer comes in the 54th minute in the form of a certain Dutch forward-turns-winger. Maxi Rodriguez lobs the ball toward Ngog upfront, Ngog controls and puts in a deflected shot. Corner for Liverpool, nothing comes out of it but Gerrard wins another corner. Captain Fastastic swings the ball with all his might, Howard flaps at thin air, Phil Neville fails at his man-marking, Kuyt heads the ball in. 1-0 to Liverpool.

And right after scoring, Kuyt stops Everton from scoring. Donovan manages to glide past Insua on the left hand side, puts in a cross to Pienaar to head in at the right hand side, and what a good cross it is by Donovan, and a good run it is by Pienaar, but Kuyt is there to clear the ball away.

In a vain attempt to penetrate Liverpool defense, Moyes makes two substitutions simultaneously. Anichebe and Yakubu on for Saha and Osman. These two big thugs are supposed to cause problems to Liverpool makeshift backline with their strength and power in the air. But Reina, whose mistakes are non-existent these days, is certainly too good for them. He blocks a Yakubu shot, then makes another easy shot from Anichebe. Anichebe outmuscles Agger, takes one too many touches, then he shoots but Lucas is there to block, and Reina makes an easy save.

Lucas has been plain in the first half, but makes at least 2 good blocks in the second half. Good choice by Rafa by putting him in instead of the delicate Aquilani. If Aquilani had played, we would have to ship him back to Italy in pieces. And yes, STEVEN GERRARD is back, and stronger! Kuyt at times looks lost and has no idea where to run with the ball ot what to do with it, but his excellent workload and intelligence in positioning cancels out all his mistakes and headless-chickenness. Mascherano plays well as the makeshift right back too. In short, everybody in Red is awesome. The boys defend well and in an organised manner and also get forward to attack. It's a har fought victory, literally. So proud of you Redmen. So proud indeed. =)