Of all the derbies in English Premier League football, one of the biggest and most acrimonious is the Merseyside Derby in Liverpool.

Since Everton has climbed into the top of the table and become a consistent and legitimate contender for a top four finish, games against Liverpool have bigger implications than merely local bragging rights. David Moyes’ Toffees have European ambitions to motivate defeating their arch-rivals, while Liverpool has the same and to retain their status as the city’s top club.

Liverpool 1 – 0 Everton

The Reds’ Fernando Torres provided all the difference required to keep the blue half of Liverpool from overtaking the city’s eponymous club in the standings. The result put fourth-place Liverpool five points clear of Everton in the race for a Champions League position. The Derby was full of strife between players on the pitch, supporters in the stands, and supporters crossing the line with alleged abuse of players. Police are looking into an incident where Liverpool supporters reportedly spat at and one even punched the Toffees’ Phil Neville as he took a throw-in.

Everton took their opponents to task in the second half, but could not find a breakthrough. With the victory, Liverpool achieved their 12th double over their Goodison Park rivals.