Liverpool have headed into half time with a 3-0 lead over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield this evening.

© Getty Images

Tim Howard had to be alert early on as Jordan Henderson tried his luck from just outside the box, but the Everton keeper was able to make a diving save.

The hosts continued to look the stronger of the two sides and were able to edge ahead 20 minutes in when Steven Gerrard head in from a corner.

There was a further blow for Everton, as Romelu Lukaku had to leave the game following a collision with Gareth Barry during the build-up to Gerrard's goal.

Daniel Sturridge managed to increase the home side's lead with two goals in the space of two minutes before the break.

The England international beat Howard with a right-footed effort, before he lobbed the ball over the Toffees' keeper to add a third for Liverpool.

Everton finished the half strongly and created several chances inside the final five minutes, but they could not get a goal back before the break.