English Premier League: Derby romp gives Liverpool edge, says Rodgers

Manager lauds team’s performance in 4-0 demolition of Everton

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hopes that his side’s 4-0 victory over Everton will give them a psychological advantage in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

The Reds claimed an emphatic win over Everton at Anfield on Tuesday, their biggest over their city rivals since November 1982, thanks to a brace from Daniel Sturridge and a goal apiece for Luis Suarez and captain Steven Gerrard.

It helped Liverpool consolidate fourth place in the Premier League table, moving them four points clear of their city rivals and leaving Rodgers optimistic about their chances of a top-four finish.

“All wins are important, especially against your rivals,” said Rodgers.

“Psychologically it was a big win and one that gives confidence and belief to the squad. I think we’ve shown all season we are going to be in contention. I’ll be delighted in May if we're in the top four.”

Moyes enthused by Mata’s winning entrance

Manchester United manager David Moyes believes that the options he now has available in his squad will guarantee an improvement in his team’s results.

Moyes was able to give club-record signing Juan Mata a debut in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City on Tuesday as strikers Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney both returned from injuries.

Moyes has suggested he can use Mata off either flank in order to keep his two main strikers in the side.

“We’ll get used to Juan and he’ll get used to us,” said the United manager. “It was good to get him and Robin together and we’ll use Juan in different positions.

“I can play him in any role — off the left or the right allows me to keep Robin and Wayne as a partnership.”

Southampton deserve some credit: Wenger

Arsenal could have moved four points clear with a win at Southampton, but they were pegged back by Adam Lallana’s second-half equaliser after Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla had given the visitors the lead following Jose Fonte’s early strike.

“You want the three points in every game but it [Southampton] is a difficult place,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“When you look at our overall record it can happen that sometimes away from home you can take only one point. I think it was a very good football game and Southampton deserved some credit.”