Masch: Why it's my goal

Javier Mascherano intends to claim the opening goal in Sunday's 2-0 Merseyside derby triumph over Everton as his own.

The midfielder's 12th minute shot from distance took a deflection off Blues defender Joseph Yobo to beat Tim Howard and put the Reds on their way to victory at Goodison Park.
 
While many consider the strike to be an own goal by Yobo, Mascherano believes the effort should be credited to him.
 
"I think it's my goal because I tried to score with the shot," the 25-year-old told Liverpoolfc.tv in the Goodison tunnel afterwards.
 
"It was a really important moment for me because I want to do my best.
 
"This season, some people have criticised my shooting, but I am trying hard to improve it and I am happy with today."
 
Dirk Kuyt added a late second for the visitors to secure the three points and a third consecutive league win at Goodison Park for only the third time ever.
 
While acknowledging it was imperative to extend their unbeaten run to five matches, Mascherano admits Rafael Benitez's side were just as determined to make sure local bragging rights went to the Red half of the city.
 
"We are really happy because we know it is a special game for the supporters and the club," he said. "I think all of the Liverpool fans will be pleased with the result.
 
"It's always important to win a derby. We know how the supporters feel about this game and although it may just be three points, it's a very important three points."
 
Mascherano, however, concedes the Reds were made to work hard for the win by a battling Everton.
 
He added: "It was a difficult game and we had to fight for the win.
 
"They had players in the middle who play a physical game, so it is hard to play against them, but I think we deserved to win and we are happy."
 
The result ensured Liverpool remained undefeated in the month of November, and Mascherano is eager for the Reds to maintain their improved form over the coming weeks.
 
"It's important for us to keep going," he said. "We cannot keep thinking about today.
 
"It is important for us to try and win three or four more games in a row and keep moving up the table."