Liverpool have headed into half time with a 3-0 lead over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield this evening.

Tim Howard had to be alert early on as Jordan Henderson tried his luck from just outside the box, but the Everton keeper was able to make a diving save.

The hosts continued to look the stronger of the two sides and were able to edge ahead 20 minutes in when Steven Gerrard head in from a corner.

There was a further blow for Everton, as Romelu Lukaku had to leave the game following a collision with Gareth Barry during the build-up to Gerrard's goal.

Daniel Sturridge managed to increase the home side's lead with two goals in the space of two minutes before the break.

The England international beat Howard with a right-footed effort, before he lobbed the ball over the Toffees' keeper to add a third for Liverpool.

Everton finished the half strongly and created several chances inside the final five minutes, but they could not get a goal back before the break.