Dirk Kuyt's 50th Liverpool goal was always likely to be a notable landmark for the player but to notch up a half century in a crucial game - not to mention one against Everton - deserves special praise.

Rafael Benitez was keen to provide that but also paid tribute to the efforts of his team against the Blues who were a man up for more than an hour.

"I think everyone knows now what Kuyt can do for us," Benitez said. "He has quality and is fantastic in every game, working really hard for the team.

"He can do different jobs. We knew that Leighton Baines has been having a very good season so Kuyt made sure he worked hard keeping him busy.

"Attacking has sometimes been a problem for him but he is scoring more goals now. His teammates know he is a very good player, as do the fans.

"Fifty goals for any player is a good achievement, especially in the Premier League. He has played as a right and left winger, striker and second striker. He is very important for us."

Everton like Liverpool were in a decent run of form. The Blues were unbeaten for a slightly longer spell than their hosts and having made sure the neighbours were watched the Anfield boss was surprised that they failed to muster much of a show before or after Sotirios Kyrgiakos controversail dismissal.

The style adopted was also a shock to Rafa especially after Marouane Fellaini's withdrawal allowed a creative player on.

"I was surprised. I was expecting more penetrating passes and also for them to try and play on the floor," he said. "They had Arteta on but they played direct. That made it easier for us. It was easier to control and we continued to do our job in defence.

"When you are losing with 11 players against 10 but you have to win, sometimes you are a little bit more nervous and play more direct. That made it easier for us to control the situation. It suited us."