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Liverpool strengthened their grip on fourth place after Fernando Torres’ 28th goal of the season gave them victory in the Merseyside derby.

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The Spaniard expertly slotted the ball beyond Tim Howard for the only goal of the game after just seven minutes. With Yakubu deployed as a lone striker Everton created very little, while Liverpool spurned several chances. A rasping Steven Gerrard volley hit the post, while Everton’s best chance fell to Leon Osman who headed wide. The result puts Liverpool five points clear of their local rivals in fourth place with just six games of the season remaining. Rafa Benitez made three changes from the team that lost to Manchester United last weekend and Everton, without Andrew Johnson and Tim Cahill, looked devoid of ideas in the opening half. Liverpool broke the deadlock when Gerrard’s corner was only half cleared. After Xabi Alonso nicked the ball from Yakubu, Dirk Kuyt flicked on to Torres, who slotted a shot beyond Howard when under pressure. It could have got a lot worse for Everton as first Kuyt and then his fellow countryman Ryan Babel failed to connect with dangerous balls into the area.