Post match quotes from interviews on Sky Sports.
Steven Gerrard: "The game could have been a lot easier if Milan Baros had taken his chances but unfortunately he missed them and was later sent off. But as a defensive unit we defended like lions. Everything went wrong with injuries in the first half but we stuck together and ground it out. We dominated the game to get 2-0 ahead – but then there was hard work. I always enjoy playing and scoring for Liverpool and it was nice to get my 10th goal of the season – we knew nothing else would do other than the three points. I’m captain of this club so I’ll take criticism – some of it is a little bit unfair but I’ll take it on the chin and get on with it."
Jamie Carragher: "We’ve taken a lot of stick this season and I think a lot of people wanted Everton to win today. But it was a massive game for us and psychologically it will give us a big lift."
Rafael Benitez : "I’m delighted for the players, for the supporters and for the club – it’s a fantastic victory. We knew it was important to get the three points for the confidence of the team and to win in front of your own supporters is also important. It’s difficult to be consistent without all the squad fit, but we’ve put pressure on Everton – and we’ll try to do it in the next game."
David Moyes: "It definitely wasn’t three minutes – and I think we played three minutes to the second – I can’t believe it. But I’ve got to say I thought Liverpool were very good in the first half. They put us under pressure, which we knew would happen, but we didn’t get a lot of protection or the decisions that matter to us. But they probably deserved the win on their first-half performance."