McAllister goal sinks Everton

Dietmar Hamann lofted a long clearance over the halfway line where Emile Heskey was lurking. Richard Gough, who normally commands his defensive line with such authority, looked on in horror as Steve Watson played the Liverpool striker onside.

Considering Jamie Carragher had clearly used an arm to intercept before the German swept upfield, the surreal atmosphere was entirely understandable. Watson, however, did not recover and Heskey ploughed through and drilled his shot into the net past Paul Gerrard.

But Everton responded. Their method did not overflow with finesse but their sheer effort was worthy of reward. At times, they were guilty of trying too hard and the best move of the first half went begging.

Kevin Campbell headed the ball into the path of Scot Gemmill and his first-time cross caught Duncan Ferguson unaware in front of Sander Westerveld. The striker's air-shot, however, seemed merely to strengthen his resolve.

Three minutes before the break, Ferguson flicked on Ball's cross and Carragher did well to block Campbell's path to goal, aided by Stephane Henchoz. But as the ball broke, Gemmill reacted to a huge shout from behind and Ferguson charged through to dispatch the equaliser.

His booking for the normal bare-chested, fist-clenched celebration seemed unnecessary but then so did many of the other cautions which were dished out. The count ended six apiece but the visitors restored their goal advantage 12 minutes after half-time.

Hamann was again the architect with a run from defence. A long diagonal pass to the left located Robbie Fowler and his centre eventually found Markus Babbel after taking deflections via David Unsworth and Ball. Babbel thrashed his shot past Gerrard.

Everton's sense of misfortune was redoubled three minutes later when Fowler showed too much ball to Gough, who slid in ahead of him and steered it back to the goalkeeper. An indirect free kick appeared appropriate, but a penalty was given.

However, Fowler opted to swagger, rather than run up to the kick and his nonchalant attempt rebounded off a post.

When Unsworth was presented the opportunity to equalise, also from the spot, his approach could hardly have been more different. A no-nonsense drive down the middle had resulted in Sami Hyypia being found guilty of holding Ferguson down as Ball's throw-in landed in the box.

Igor Biscan had earlier become the third Anfield player in as many weeks to be dismissed - after a second booking - but any anarchy within Liverpool's ranks was reserved for celebrating McAllister's late, late winner rather than any protest.

Gerrard was left lying inconsolable on the turf - his mood reflecting that of every Evertonian who witnessed the dramatic finale. It was Houllier's first derby win at Goodison and Liverpool's first in a decade.

That landmark, however, will pale into insignificance if they cannot back it up with a run which will see them compete in the Champions League next season for the first time.