Although David Moyes never won at Anfield, his Everton side were never trounced so resoundingly. Liverpool eviscerated their neighbours 4-0 on a night that served as a harsh reminder to Roberto Martínez of the challenge he faces if his side are to qualify for the Champions League.
Captain Steven Gerrard opened the scoring with a 21st-minute header before Daniel Sturridge scored twice in quick succession - also missing a penalty in the second half - and Luis Suárez added the fourth five minutes after the interval.
Anfield's biggest derby win since 1972 opened up a four-point gap between the fourth-placed Reds and their near neighbours in sixth.
Daniel Sturridge is congratulated after scoring his second goal of the night
"I think all wins are important but especially against your rivals and psychologically it was a big win and can re-iterate the confidence and belief in the squad," said Reds manager Brendan Rodgers. "We have to keep our foot to the floor and keep these performances and keep scoring goals.
"We have a real focus and concentration going into every game and this was a massive game so for us to score four goals and defend like we did and attack with that efficiency was very pleasing.
"I think we have shown all season we are going to be in contention for fourth place."
Aside from missing the penalty Sturridge also incurred the anger of Suarez after opting to shoot instead of failing to pass to his better-placed strike partner and soon after was substituted.
Liverpool 4-0 Everton
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(01 of45)
Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal after heading in the corner taken by Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (L) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(02 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(03 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Dejected Everton players Steven Naismith (C) and Ross Barkley (R) look on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(04 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool attempts to control the ball under pressure from John Stones of Everton during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(05 of45)
Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (L) vies with Everton's Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcaraz (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. Liverpool won 4-0. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(06 of45)
Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (L) vies with Everton's Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcaraz (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. Liverpool won 4-0. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(07 of45)
Liverpool's English striker Daniel Sturridge (L) celebrates scoring his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(08 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Raheem Sterling of Liverpool is brought down for a penalty by goalkeeper Tim Howard of Everton during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(09 of45)
Everton's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (R) is tackled by Liverpool's Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel (C) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(10 of45)
Everton's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (L) chases the ball persued by Liverpool's Ivorian defender Kolo Toure (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(11 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool takes a penalty kick , but puts his attempt wide of the target during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(12 of45)
Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(13 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Luis Suarez of Liverpool scores his team's fourth goal past goalkeeper Tim Howard of Everton as Phil Jagielka of Everton closes in during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(14 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: John Stones of Everton and Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(15 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(16 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Victor Moses of Liverpool comes on as a second half substitute for teamate Daniel Sturridge during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(17 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(18 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(19 of45)
Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard celebrates at the end of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. Liverpool won 4-0. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(20 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool puts his penalty attempt high over the crossbar of Tim Howard of Everton during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(21 of45)
Liverpool's English striker Daniel Sturridge (L) speaks to Liverpool's Northern Irish manager Brendan Rodgers (R) as he is substituted during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. Liverpool won 4-0. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(22 of45)
Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard (C) applauds after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. Liverpool won 4-0. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(23 of45)
Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard (R) celebrates after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. Liverpool won 4-0. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(24 of45)
Liverpool's English striker Daniel Sturridge (L) speaks to Liverpool's Northern Irish manager Brendan Rodgers (C) as he is substituted during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. Liverpool won 4-0. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(25 of45)
Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (R) celebrates with Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard (L) after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. Liverpool won 4-0. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(26 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(27 of45)
Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard (3L) celebrates with team mates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(28 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(29 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(30 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(31 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(32 of45)
Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard (R) celebrates with Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (L) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(33 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge (C) of Liverpool is congratulated by teammates Luis Suarez (2nd L), Raheem Sterling (L) and after scoring his team's third goal Aly Cissokho during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(34 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge (R) of Liverpool is congratulated by teammates Luis Suarez (C) and Raheem Sterling (L) after scoring his team's third goal as dejected Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(35 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge (R) of Liverpool is congratulated by teammate Luis Suarez (L) after scoring his team's third goal as dejected Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(36 of45)
Liverpool's English midfielder Jordan Henderson (R) congratulates Liverpool's English striker Daniel Sturridge (L) after he scored his first goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(37 of45)
Liverpool's English striker Daniel Sturridge (L) celebrates after scoring his first goal with Liverpool's English midfielder Jordan Henderson (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON(38 of45)
Liverpool's English striker Daniel Sturridge is mobbed by team mates as they celebrate after Sturridge scored his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on January 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(39 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge (R) of Liverpool is congratulated by teammate Luis Suarez (L) after scoring his team's third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(40 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge (R) of Liverpool is congratulated by teammate Luis Suarez (L) after scoring his team's third goal as dejected Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(41 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(42 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(43 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge (2nd R) of Liverpool is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(44 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge (2nd R) of Liverpool is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - Premier League(45 of45)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge (2nd R) of Liverpool is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 28, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The England international appeared to show a degree of petulance with his manager but Rodgers played that down.
"I've told the players we have to show respect for the club and if a manager decides to take you off it is not always because you are playing poorly," he said.
"When you come off the field you sit down and if you have a problem and want an honest answer come and knock on my door the next day and I'll tell you.
"He was frustrated he missed a penalty and was desperate to get on the scoresheet again but for me it was a brilliant individual performance."