Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was very pleased with his side’s performance on Sunday afternoon, as the Reds beat local rivals Everton 1-0 at Anfield.

An early Fernando Torres strike was enough to separate the two sides in the 207th Merseyside Derby.

With Liverpool now preparing for their fixture run of three consecutive games against Arsenal, Benitez was happy with the performance that sees the club move five points clear of the fifth place Toffees in the Premier League.

He said, “We are really pleased for our supporters that we won and have done the double over Everton”, said Rafa. “It was really important for the team and for the club.

“We had a lot of chances in the first half, but we didn’t get the second goal and we know that while it is 1-0 it could only take a corner or a free kick and you can concede.

“I think the team showed a lot of character after the disappointment last week and, particularly in the first half, we showed a lot of quality. We know we have these things, but it’s important to try and show them in every game.”