Liverpool have consolidated their place in fourth spot in the Premier League after cruising to a 4-0 victory over Everton in the 222nd Merseyside derby.

Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez found the back of the net, while Daniel Sturridge scored a brace to keep the Reds' hopes of Champions League football alive.

After losing Romelu Lukaku to injury, Everton were unable to put their stamp on the match, and defensive errors contributed to their disappointing night at Anfield.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes that unfolded on Merseyside.

Match statistics

Liverpool
Shots: 20
On target: 9
Possession: 39%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 11

Everton
Shots: 18
On target: 4
Possession: 61%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 13

Was the result fair?

Liverpool's dominance in the first half showed that they did enough damage to credit all three points against Everton at Anfield this evening. Before the match, the overriding feeling was that it would be a tight game between the pair, but the Reds came out of the blocks to show their intent. After Gerrard's header signalled the first goal of the night, there was no way back for Everton, who suffered a blow when Lukaku was taken off with an ankle injury. It was practically game over after Sturridge's second goal, but Suarez finished it off early in the second half.

Liverpool's performance

As mentioned above, the home side dominated proceedings at the beginning of the clash with some intricate passing play. They also continued to close down Everton when they were off the ball, which stifled the visitors' intensity on the ball. The forward three consisting of Suarez, Sturridge and Raheem Sterling were able to expose Everton at the back with their pace, and an overall impressive team performance ensured three points for the Reds.

Everton's performance

Given how well Everton have played throughout the season so far, it was an uncharacteristic display from the blue half of Merseyside. They were defensively naive during the encounter, which Liverpool took full advantage of, but the loss of Lukaku proved to be a major blow for tonight's visitors. While it is yet to be confirmed, reports have claimed that the Belgian, who was stretchered off the field, has suffered ligament damage. Despite a poor performance, Kevin Mirallas was the shining light as he continued to put in a decent shift for the Toffees.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Daniel Sturridge: As previously stated, it was an impressive team performance from Liverpool, but Sturridge's pace and sharpness has just edged him in front for man of the match. The England international has added two more goals to his tally after exposing Everton's defence. While the striker was unable to complete his hat-trick by missing a penalty, the forward's performance in the first half was enough to keep Liverpool in front.

Biggest gaffe

Unfortunately for Everton, the team's defence as a whole need to take responsibility. Phil Jagielka was at fault for Suarez's goal and the backline gave Sturridge plenty of space for his brace in the opening 45 minutes. Everton do have injuries in that area, with Sylvain Distin and Seamus Coleman absent, but they should have done a lot better over the course of the game.

Referee performance

Martin Atkinson was called into action when Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard brought down Sterling after coming off his line in the second half, but it was the correct decision made by the official. Overall, Atkinson allowed the game to flow and had a relatively quiet game given that it was a Merseyside derby.

What next?

Liverpool: The Reds will welcome West Bromwich Albion to Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

Everton: The Toffees will play host to Aston Villa at Goodison Park in the league on Saturday.