Liverpool have won the battle for fourth place in the Premier League with a victory over local rivals Everton.

Spanish striker Fernando Torres scored his 21st league goal of the season in the seventh minute to set Anfield alight.

Steven Gerrard hit the post, wasting a chance that should have finished off the game in the first half.

An edgy Liverpool hung on in an increasingly tense second period that saw Phil Jagielka booked for a high foot on Gerrard and Torres carded for time-wasting.

The 207th Merseyside derby ended in jubilation for the Kop faithful, who waved banners with the message: "The city is ours."

The win sees the Reds remain in the coveted fourth spot, which could earn them a place in the Champions League qualifiers.

They move five points clear of the Toffees, their nearest rivals, with six matches of the campaign remaining.

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