Neville: My mistake cost us

Phil Neville admits his own goal on the stroke of half-time was a pivotal point in the Merseyside derby which Liverpool went on to win 3-1.

The 29-year-old headed Xabi Alonso’s corner into his own net just prior to the break to give the Reds a 1-0 lead, despite being reduced to 10 men after 18 minutes when Steven Gerrard was sent off following two yellow cards in 60 seconds.

The goal gave the hosts a platform to go on and claim three points and complete the double over Everton.

Neville told the club’s official website, www.evertonfc.com: “The first goal was always going to be crucial and I hold my hands up.

“It was my mistake and in a way it cost us the game.”

The Toffees had been confident approaching the game after a run that had seen them close in on a European place after just one defeat since Christmas despite being bottom of the Barclays Premiership in October.

However, Neville feels they did not do themselves justice at Anfield and did not fully take advantage of their superiority in numbers before they were themselves reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Andy van der Meyde with 18 minutes left.

“It was a derby match that we went into in the best possible form,” he added.

“It was nicely set up. With them down to 10 men so early in the game it was even better set up for us.

“But we didn’t play after Gerrard was sent off. It happens sometimes. When teams lose a player, they become more resilient. It fires them up even more and we didn’t take the game by the scruff of the neck.”

The clash saw nine players booked as well as the two red cards.

Neville said: “I don’t think I have played in a game where there have been so many fouls.

“It was so stop-start. It suited Liverpool more than us but the feeling is one of bitter disappointment.”