Carroll on song as Reds triumph

Andy Carroll's first Barclays Premier League goal of the season and another from Luis Suarez gave Liverpool a 2-0 victory in a controversial 216th Merseyside derby against 10-man Everton at Goodison Park.

The hosts had Jack Rodwell sent off in the 23rd-minute for a sliding tackle which did not appear to be dangerous but despite the disadvantage they matched their near-neighbours for long periods.

Dirk Kuyt saw his first-half penalty brilliantly saved by Tim Howard but 19 minutes from time Carroll powered home Jose Enrique's cross and Suarez sealed victory.

Rodwell saw red after his sliding challenge on Suarez and although seemingly winning the ball with a tackle which did not appear to be dangerous, referee Martin Atkinson immediately brandished a red card.

Liverpool struggled to make a breakthrough until Phil Jagielka brought down Suarez on the corner of the penalty area just before half-time and Atkinson pointed to the spot.

Kuyt, scorer of five derby goals, stepped up but Howard saved brilliantly low to his left - the first miss from the spot in a Merseyside derby since Robbie Fowler in April 2001.

In the 67th minute Dalglish sent on Steven Gerrard, making only his third substitute appearance after six months out after a groin operation, and Craig Bellamy to win him the game.

Bellamy's run down the left released Jose Enrique and Kuyt cleverly ducked under the Spaniard's cross to allow Carroll to power home from eight yards.

The match was wrapped up in the 82nd minute when Suarez grabbed the second.

Collecting Kuyt's knockdown he was lucky to have Sylvain Distin's clearance bounce into his chest but he made the most of it to place a left-footed shot past Howard from six yards.