Steven Gerrard's hat-trick ensured there was no happy 10th anniversary for Everton manager David Moyes as Liverpool eased to a comfortable victory in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Gerrard scored in the first half and then twice more after the break - including one in the final minute - to earn Liverpool their biggest win against Everton in nine years and ensure Moyes remains without an away derby win in his decade in charge at Goodison Park.
It was also the first hat-trick in a Merseyside derby since Ian Rush scored four in the Reds' 5-0 win at Goodison Park in 1982, and the first at Anfield since Fred Howe achieved the feat for Liverpool in 1935.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Steven Gerrard has now scored seven goals in Premier League Merseyside derbies, breaking Robbie Fowler's record of six

The hosts never looked in any danger of a fourth successive Premier League defeat while Everton's much-changed side looked totally incapable of extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 matches.

Gerrard produced contrasting finishes of delicate touch and power to prevent the visitors securing their first win at Anfield since 1999, a result that would have seen them leapfrog Kenny Dalglish's side in the Premier League table.
He was the inspiration, in tandem with Luis Suarez, for a Liverpool performance that carried the vibrancy and rhythm that has been missing from so many of their displays since the turn of the year, despite their Carling Cup victory.

Gerrard delighted with perfect night

Liverpool scented further possibilities, with Carroll shooting just wide and the stretching Kelly only inches away from making a connection in the area with Howard exposed once more.
The visitors' threats had been isolated but Jose Enrique was forced to make a crucial clearance as Rodwell's shot rolled towards goal.
It was the signal for Moyes to send on Jelavic, Leon Osman and Royston Drenthe for Victor Anichebe, Seamus Coleman and Denis Stracqualursi. For Everton, however, there was too much ground to make up.
Moyes's men were reduced to damage limitation but Gerrard was determined to have the final word. And so it proved in the dying seconds, with Suarez once again the provider as he opened up the Blues defence before setting up Gerrard for a simple finish.
Attention will now turn to this weekend's FA Cup quarter-finals when Everton face Sunderland and Liverpool play Stoke. Moyes will hope his ploy of resting key personnel works as his revamped side was outplayed here with ease.