The Merseyside derby is one of the Premier League's most unique fixtures that never fails to disappoint. This afternoon, Everton made the short trip across Stanley Park to Anfield, looking to leapfrog local rivals Liverpool in the table and make a statement of their Champions League intentions.

But the Reds are gunning for Europe too, and came out of the blocks flying. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard put them ahead after 20 minutes, and the rest was simply one-way traffic. An injury to Toffees talisman Romelu Lukaku certainly didn't help proceedings, and soon after the Belgium international came off, Daniel Sturridge recorded a stunning brace within two minutes, his latter effort being a sensational chip, making it 3-0.

Luis Suarez then stopped any chance of a comeback ten minutes after the interval to get the home side's fourth of the evening.

It could have been more; Daniel Sturridge missed a penalty just before the hour mark with a horrendous effort that didn't even work Tim Howard, and the England international also wasted an opportunity to square the ball to Suarez in the box, instead shooting wide.

In yet another thrilling and unpredictable Merseyside clash, it's Liverpool who go away with all three points and solidify their hold on the Premier League's fourth spot.

After lots of sustained pressure from the home side in the first 20 minutes, Steven Gerrard finds the net for Liverpool with a header:

 

 

A few moments later, Romelu Lukaku is forced off with a nasty injury from a collision with Gareth Barry:

 

 

And after 34 minutes, Daniel Sturridge increased the home side's lead:

FatherlyWarmCatfish Daniel Sturridge scores 2 goals in 2 minutes to put Liverpool 3 0 up v Everton [GIFs]

The England international made it a brace just seconds later:

Liverpool 4 Daniel Sturridge scores 2 goals in 2 minutes to put Liverpool 3 0 up v Everton [GIFs]

 

 

 

After 50 minutes, Luis Suarez made it four for the home side.

 

 

 

Five minutes later, Liverpool won a rather dubious penalty, which Daniel Sturridge failed to convert in typically English fashion:

 

 

Then Suarez and Sturridge had a little tiff about not passing the ball...