Fernando Torres scored twice to give Liverpool a deserved victory over Everton in the 208th Merseyside derby.

The first half had been a stalemate with few chances, but Torres struck twice in three minutes during the second period to maintain Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season.

Everton lost Tim Cahill late on when the Australian received a straight red card for a late tackle on Xabi Alonso.

Everton should have been ahead after 14 minutes when Tim Cahill failed to make decent contact with an Arteta corner from just six yards.

Joseph Yobo blocked a shot on the turn by Torres and Cahill saw a glancing header go wide at the other end.

Everton were content to commit just Ayegbeni Yakubu up front, with Mikel Arteta and Cahill attacking from deep. It meant that Liverpool had the majority of possession as Everton sat back and tried to hit them on the break.

After 26 minutes Joleon Lescott's cross was dropped by Jose Reina under minimal pressure from Fellaini, who spun to strike a fierce shot that Jamie Carragher somehow blocked on the line.

But referee Riley had spotted some sort of infringement, unseen by Everton eyes, and awarded a free-kick. The tempo had now risen a few notches, with Everton at last fired up.

Xabi Alonso was booked for blocking an Arteta run on the right before Robbie Keane almost created a scoring opportunity for Dirk Kuyt, arriving late in the box.

Alonso fired high over before Yakubu turned Martin Skrtel before dragging his shot wide.

Yakubu was booked three minutes into the second half for diving in the box, having pushed the ball past Skrtel before plunging to the floor.

Torres saw a 20-yard strike go just wide before Gerrard was much closer from even further out.

Albert Riera should have done better when presented with a shooting chance by Keane but after 59 minutes Torres put Liverpool ahead. Arbeloa robbed Arteta far too easily on the touchline and quick passing involving Riera and Alonso released Keane on the left.

The Irishman's cross to the far post was met beautifully on the volley by the Spaniard to beat Tim Howard.

Three minutes later Torres was celebrating again as Liverpool surged forward again and when Jagielka's tackle 10 yards out stopped Keane in his tracks Torres smashed the ball into the top corner.

Everton took off Hibbert and sent on striker Louis Saha, with Phil Neville dropping to right-back.

Torres scored again seconds later but the effort was ruled out by referee Riley.

Fabio Aurelio replaced Riera after 67 minutes as Benitez opted for a more defensive option on the left of midfield.

Arbeloa was booked after 85 minutes for a retaliatory kick at Cahill after a tussle between the pair, with Everton desperately trying to get back into the match.

Then Yakubu missed an open goal as Leon Osman's cross flashed in front of him.

Five minutes later Cahill was off, with referee Riley showing him a red card for a late challenge on Alonso, after the ball had gone.

Lucas and Jermaine Pennant replaced Alonso and Keane after 86 minutes. Saha saw a 25-yard shot flash wide in the dying minutes as Everton failed to get back in the match.