Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has spoken of his delight as his side recorded their seventh unbeaten game with a 1-0 win over Everton.
Dirk Kuyt's second-half goal was enough to hand maximum points and local bragging rights to the Reds and despite playing for over an hour with 10 men, the Kop skipper believes that his team mates should be proud of overcoming David Moyes' in-form side.
He said: "We beat a very good Everton side today with 10 men so I think all the boys should enjoy this.
"They've been on a fantastic run so we're really pleased to stop them with 10 men and play some good football.
"We always knew that we were going to be up against it at times but we knew that if we could fight for set pieces and chances. If you get the right delivery, with fellas like Dirk on the pitch you always know you can get a goal."
Both sides were reduced to 10 men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos' first-half dismissal which was followed by the sending off of Steven Pienaar in the 94th minute, but Gerrard believes that referee Martin Atkinson officiated the highly-strung affair brilliantly.
He added: "That's what derbies are all about - passion, commitment and fight.
"I thought the referee was superb. He let tackles go, that's what derbies are all about. That's what the fans pay good money for - to see commitment. There were some mistimed tackles from both sides but we're not complaining and I don't think Everton will.
"I think, after today, confidence is sky high but we certainly won't get carried away. we've got two very difficult games on the road [against Arsenal and Manchester City] but if we show the same effort commitment as we did today, I don't see why we can't get points on the board."
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