Liverpool cruise to Merseyside derby win

Liverpool have thrashed local rivals Everton 4-0 in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in the Premier League this evening.

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Steven Gerrard gave the home side the lead 20 minutes in, heading in from a corner after a strong start by Liverpool.

A quick-fire brace from Daniel Sturridge extended the advantage and ensured that Brendan Rodgers's men had a comfortable lead at the break.

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The England international slid a low strike under Tim Howard before lobbing it beyond the Everton keeper just over two minutes later.

The Toffees had a strong spell before the break, with Ross Barkley having a shot just before half time, but they were unable to get themselves back into the match.

Liverpool extended their advantage just four minutes after the restart, as Luis Suarez got the better of Phil Jagielka to tap the ball in.

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Sturridge had a chance to complete his hat-trick just a couple of minutes later when Raheem Sterling was brought down by Howard in the box, giving the hosts a penalty, but the striker mis-hit his effort, slicing it well high of the crossbar.

Kevin Mirallas attacked late on as Everton looked for a consolation goal, but Steven Naismith was unable to latch on to his delivery into the box and the Toffees could not get themselves on the scoresheet before the full-time whistle.