Everton 0 Liverpool 2:Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes the 2-0 victory over Everton in the 212th Merseyside derby could prove to be a turning point in their season. A 12th-minute own goal from Joseph Yobo and Dirk Kuyt's close-range effort 10 minutes from time flattered the visitors, who were second best for most of the game.

However, considering the inconsistent start to the season, which was compounded by Wednesday’s failure to qualify for the Champions League group stages, Benitez was keen to accentuate the positives as the Reds moved up to fifth in the Premier League.

“I think it was really important for us. We won against Debrecen (in midweek) and we knew we had to keep winning,” said the Spaniard.

“A derby is always very difficult and also very important so a win today could set us up for the rest of the season.

“We are higher in table now, everyone is happy, so we will see if we can keep winning some games.”

Merseyside derbies are always fiercely contested but the fact Liverpool were on the back foot for so long was a tribute to the work-rate and drive of Everton.

Benitez accepted his side had to soak up the pressure but, boosted by the early goal, they at least had something to hang on to.

“It was a clearly a difficult game from the beginning. They were playing a direct and also a set-pieces game,” said the Liverpool boss.

“It was very difficult to control that because they are strong in the air but we showed character and were trying to play counter-attack — sometimes with good possession, sometimes not so good.

“They were on top of us but we showed character, we won and scored two goals and at the end of the game maybe we had better control.”

Benitez also hailed an “amazing” double-save from goalkeeper Jose Reina 20 minutes from time when, with his side under pressure, the Spain international dived low to his left to keep out Tim Cahill’s header and then stood up to block Marouane Fellaini’s rebound.

“It was a great save from Pepe Reina, which was crucial also. He showed he is a top-class keeper,” said Benitez.

“To defend a lot of throw-ins, corners and free-kicks during 90 minutes against a team which is good in the air as Everton is not easy but he helped the team and in this situation he was amazing.”