Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard felt his side's 1-0 win over Everton was crucial in the chase for the fourth Champions League place.Fernando Torres' 21st Premier League goal of the season gave the Reds a hard-fought victory in the 207th Merseyside derby at Anfield.

The Spaniard expertly took his chance in the seventh minute, slotting past Tim Howard after being played in by Dirk Kuyt.

"It was a big win and we knew how important this game would be for us," Gerrard told Sky Sports 1. "Hopefully now we can continue to pick up wins until the end of the season and grab that fourth spot.

"Credit to Everton they came back strongly in the second half - we couldn't quite get that second goal which made it harder.

"But we are winning games and you're happy as long as you are winning. These games are also about bragging rights and I'm sure the supporters will be pleased.

"We still have difficult games to go so it was important to get the result."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hailed Torres for the way he has quickly adjusted to English football after he picked up the man-of-the-match award.

"We have said before we have a lot of confidence in Fernando and we are pleased that he scored," Benitez said. "For him to score so many in his first season is great for him and for us so we are very happy for him. The understanding between Torres and Gerrard is very good.

"In the first half we had other chances but didn't get that second goal and in the second half we played more on the counter-attack.

"When you are winning by just one goal the opposition could always get a corner or a free-kick so we had to keep our concentration levels high.

"The win was important and we are in a good position but we have difficult games against Arsenal, Tottenham and Blackburn to come yet."

Everton manager David Moyes felt his side lacked the killer instinct in the final third of the pitch but refused to give up the race for fourth place.

"We lacked penetration when we got into good positions around the penalty area but we handed Liverpool an early advantage," Moyes said.

"We gave them the first goal which is a disappointing start and (Aiyegbeni) Yakubu has to take responsibility for giving the ball away but I am also concerned that we didn't pick up Torres.

"But I thought we played well in the second half and responded well."

Moyes continued: "Unfortunately we've had a few injuries at the business end of the season. We're not running out of steam - it's more a case of not having enough bodies.

"There are still games to be played so it doesn't change things for us. We're still positive about the rest of the season. Five points is a big gap but we won't be giving up."

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