Everton forward Romelu Lukaku struck in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Danny Ings’ opening goal to ensure the Merseyside derby ended in a draw for the sixth time in seven meetings.
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet had made two excellent saves in the first half and the visitors capitalised on the Belgian’s interventions when Ings headed in for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
But Lukaku equalised on the stroke of half-time after a mistake from Emre Can and nothing could divide the two city rivals in a goalless second half.
There were flashpoints between the two teams in a match that certainly was not lacking in passion, even if goalmouth action was at a premium after the break.
The result means Everton extend their poor derby record; they have now won only one of their last 18 encounters with Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have only one victory from their last six league outings after a performance that was low on goalscoring opportunities.
The big team news ahead of kick-off revolved around players who were not passed fit to play, as both sides named the same line-ups from their previous league matches.
Seamus Coleman and John Stones were both unavailable for Everton, while Christian Benteke did not make it back in time to play for Liverpool, who started with Daniel Sturridge after he was rested in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
Liverpool started the brighter of the two teams, Martin Skrtel off-target with a header and Ings lashing a shot narrowly over the crossbar, before James Milner forced Tim Howard into a low save after a clever one-two with Philippe Coutinho.
Everton had not produced an early attacking threat but came closest to opening the scoring when Ross Barkley’s free-kick was headed towards goal by Steven Naismith, who was denied by an excellent one-handed save from Mignolet.
Mignolet was at it again with a good diving stop from James McCarthy’s drive as the home side started to move into the ascendancy.
But the first goal arrived at the other end on 42 minutes. Milner’s corner found Ings unmarked just three yards from goal and the forward netted with a simple header.
However, Everton mounted an instant response as Can made a poor clearance from Gerard Deulofeu’s cross and Lukaku converted with an accurate low finish for his fifth BPL goal of the season.
Tyias Browning sent a header just over the crossbar as the second half started more quietly than the frantic finish to the first, while a curling effort from Barkley dropped just past the post.
The home side were looking by far the most likely to find a winner and a right-footed Lukaku shot was repelled by Mignolet.
Coutinho then cut inside and shot straight at Howard and Milner headed wide from a decent opportunity as Liverpool finally threatened, but the match finished level after a second period that failed to match the drama of the first.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez: “I thought we did enough to get the three points
“We saw Mignolet have the best two moments of the game. He was outstanding, especially with the first one to keep out Steven Naismith’s header, it was as good a save as you are going to see. The same with James McCarthy’s shot as well because his view was blocked.
“We are disappointed with the goal we conceded from a dead-ball situation, but I was extremely pleased with the way we reacted and performed.
“We looked even stronger in the second half. Every time we had the ball in their half we looked like creating something and we looked dangerous.
“There are too many positives to just highlight dropping two points at home. I didn’t think we had that little bit of luck or the little break you sometimes need in front of goal.”
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: “I thought that we were the better team in first half; a real threat and we deservedly took lead. I’m disappointed with the goal as it was a mistake.
“In the second half we knew we would come under pressure and the game became counter-attacking for us. I’m proud of the players.
“The motivation of the players was very high to come here. We know we are improving with each game. We can still be better with our passing. In the second half, we didn’t keep the ball well enough when we won it back.
“It is a very good point. It is a difficult place to come. We looked like we were getting better in our attack and defensively we were more cohesive.
“There’s no pressure for me. My worry is for the team and you have seen a response of how they feel. This is a team which has lost four of the real catalysts and there is a constant rebuilding going on here.”
Brendan Rodgers has left his post as Liverpool manager with immediate effect after his contract was terminated, the club have announced.
Liverpool have accumulated 12 points from eight Barclays Premier League matches this term, with Sunday’s 1-1 Merseyside derby draw at Everton leaving them in 10th position.
Rodgers was appointed as Liverpool manager in June 2012 after guiding BPL debutants Swansea City to 11th place in the previous campaign, and he won 63 of his 122 league matches during his time at Anfield (52%).
The 42-year-old led Liverpool to within two points of their first BPL crown in 2013/14, with Manchester City pipping them to the title on the final day. They finished sixth the following campaign.
In a joint Fenway Sports Group statement on liverpoolfc.com, principal owner John W Henry, chairman Tom Werner and president Mike Gordon said: “We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Brendan Rodgers for the significant contribution he has made to the club and express our gratitude for his hard work and commitment.
“All of us have experienced some wonderful moments with Brendan as manager and we are confident he will enjoy a long career in the game.
“Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch. Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.
“The search for a new manager is under way and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.”
source:premierleague.com
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 