Merseyside Derby Analysis: 5 Things We Learned From Liverpool 4-0 Everton

In a feisty Merseyside derby, Liverpool thrashed neighbours Everton 4-0 to stay in fourth place in the Premier League. Here are five things we learned from the game.

1) Liverpool mean business

Many fancied Everton to cause an upset tonight  as the Blues fight for fourth place, but the Reds quickly shut the Toffees down and ensured that their fans had the bragging rights. The 4-0 thumping is a real statement from Brendan Rodgers' men and one that has strengthened their aim of a top four finish.

2) SAS back in business

After injuries to Sturridge, he and Suarez linked brilliantly last night and ran the Everton backline ragged. The England international notched his 12th and 13th league goal of the season, while Suarez grabbed his 23rd.

3) Captain fantastic driving Reds on

Steven Gerrard opened the scoring with a well-struck shot, and he led his colleagues throughout the game from the middle of the pitch. He sat in a deep position which meant that he struggled to get involved higher up the pitch, but he still managed two shots a key pass and won all four of his headers.

4) Distin sorely missed

The big Frenchman wasn't involved yesterday and it was evident from the word go. The Toffees backline was stretched all over the place with the fluidity and creativity of the Liverpool frontline, and Antolin Alcaraz struggled to replace the chunky defender.

5) Wide areas failed for Reds

Raheem Sterling and Victor Moses, when he came on, struggled to make an impact during the game as the Reds attacked through the middle of the pitch. In doing so they bypassed Leighton Baines and it allowed the nimble forwards to run at a sluggish centre-back pairing of Jagielka and Alcaraz.

Liverpool attempted just five crosses in the game, whereas Everton tried 24.