Last Updated: Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:35
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has had a dig at neighbours Everton saying he expected them to make it more difficult in the derby victory.
Liverpool ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Dirk Kuyt's goal but they played for most of the match with just 10 men after a poor two footed tackle from Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos on Marouane Fellaini led to him being sent off.
Benitez believes Everton missed a trick after that by not playing the ball on the floor and passing it around his side."I was surprised," he said.
"I was expecting more penetrating passes and also for them to try and play on the floor.
"They had Arteta on but they played direct. That made it easier for us. It was easier to control and we continued to do our job in defence.
"When you are losing with 11 players against 10 but you have to win, sometimes you are a little bit more nervous and play more direct. That made it easier for us to control the situation. It suited us."