Liverpool 1 Everton 0: Fernando Torres once again proved to be the difference for Liverpool as they opened a five point gap between themselves and Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield.

Liverpool now look to have one foot in fourth position thanks to the Spaniard's seventh minute strike, while Everton look likely to miss out after a season that at one stage promised more.

Liverpool dominated the first half, and should have been in total command. Steven Gerrard hit a post and a Ryan Babel failed to connect with a John Arne Riise cross.

Everton tested Liverpool at times in the second half but home defence rarely looked like it would be breached.

Liverpool were missing the suspended Javier Mascherano, while Everton were without the injured Tim Cahill and Andrew Johnson -arguably damaging the Toffees' system more than the Argentina midfielder's absence for the Reds.

And after a spirited opening spell, in which Mikel Arteta tested Jose Reina with a spin and shot from 25-yards, Liverpool set about establishing a superiority on this 207th Mersey derby.

With so much at stake, financially as well as local pride, the game was tense and needed a firm control from referee Howard Webb, mindful of the 36 yellow and seven red cards in the seven derbies since Benitez took charge at Anfield.

He booked both Lee Carsley and Phil Neville — on his 100th league appearance for Everton — inside the first 18 minutes for fouls on Torres and Lucas, by which time Liverpool were deservedly in front.

And it had to be that man Torres.

The goal came when Xabi Alonso caught Ayegbeni Yakubu in possession 20 yards out. The ball was poked back into the box for Dirk Kuyt to flick forward. And Torres was on it in a flash, drilling the ball inside Tim Howard's far post with the normally solid Everton rearguard all over the place.

And for the next half-hour Liverpool pinned Everton back, searching for further success.

Kuyt had shots blocked by Tony Hibbert and Howard in quick succession, Ryan Babel missed a gift close-in from a John Arne Riise cross before a brave saving header from Carsley stopped Lucas reaching a Steven Gerrard free-kick.

Gerrard, himself, on his 20th derby appearance, then almost uprooted Howard's right-hand post with a fierce, dipping drive from 25-yards.

But the feeling remained that Everton were still in it despite Reina barely being tested.

Everton started the second period with growing intent. Neville's move to a more advanced role on the left of midfield forced Kuyt to defend and stopped Jamie Carragher getting forward.

Leon Osman sent a header just wide from one of Arteta's accurate deliveries. Manuel Fernandes came on for Pienaar on the hour, and Everton continued to press.

Phil Jagielka was booked for a late challenge on Gerrard before Neville was withdrawn.

Liverpool gambled on sitting back and trying to catch Everton on the break the more they came forward, increasingly desperate to salvage something.

Babel was withdrawn to allow Yossi Benayoun into the argument, while Everton sent Jagielka up front late on. Everton were a constant threat but were marshalled well by Sami Hyypia and Martin Skrtel.

Kuyt almost doubled the advantage when he curled a 20-yarder just wide and moments later Howard saved superbly from Gerrard.