Liverpool remain four points adrift of the top four after being held by Everton…
Everton 0-0 Liverpool – Steven Gerrard’s final appearance in a Merseyside derby ended in a frustrating stalemate at Goodison Park, as a lack of quality in the final third from both teams led to an inevitable goalless draw.
SEE MORE:
Liverpool news
Steven Gerrard reveals all to Jamie Redknapp including LA Galaxy, Merseyside derby and Liverpool’s future
Everton v Liverpool: 5 key battles ahead of crunch Merseyside derby
Jordon Ibe shone on his first Premier League start of the season, and came closest to making the breakthrough with a long-range effort that struck the outside of the post. Emre Can also impressed with another solid defensive display.
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 7/10
Made one excellent late save to deny Seamus Coleman and deservedly claimed another clean-sheet. The Belgian looks a different player to the one that featured between the posts for the Reds during the first-half of the campaign.
RCB) Emre Can – 8/10
It was another superb individual performance from the young German, who was an assured presence at the back throughout the game. He won all his tackles and claimed several crucial interceptions, helping eliminate the threat of Romelu Lukaku.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 7/10
The Slovakian also impressed at the back, keeping Everton’s attacking minded players very quiet. He recovered especially well to clear in the first-half when Lukaku looked to have been through on goal.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho – 5/10
Looked uncharacteristically shaky at the back, giving the ball away on several occasions. He was given a particularly difficult evening by Kevin Mirallas and almost handed Everton a winner late on.
DM) Lucas Leiva – 5/10 (Allen – 16′)
The Brazilian was forced to limp off early on after picking up a worrying injury. The defensive midfielder had started the game well, and supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed that he’ll be back sooner rather than later.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 7/10
A powerful presence at the heart of the Liverpool midfield, he worked hard throughout and showed his true passion for the cause. His clash with Everton’s Steven Naismith summed up a scrappy game.
RM) Jordon Ibe – 8/10
Ibe caused problems with his pace, work-rate and powerful running. He came the closest of anyone to scoring the only goal of the game, striking the post mid-way through the first-half with an excellent long range strike (watch here).
LM) Alberto Moreno – 7/10
He was a useful source of creativity from the left-hand side, setting up several chances for his teammates. However, he might have done better with a first-half effort that he ballooned over the crossbar.
AM) Steven Gerrard – 6/10
He put in a performance full of commitment and passion, but he lacked the cutting edge to end his Merseyside derby record on a high. His acrobatic effort mid-way through the first-half was the closest he came.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 6/10 (Sturridge – 56′)
Went down and required treatment towards the end of the first-half and that might have played a role in his surprise withdrawal early in the second period. Not at his best, but still put in a decent performance.
ST) Raheem Sterling – 5/10 (Lambert – 82′)
Had a quiet afternoon in truth as Everton did well to keep him under control. Drifted in and out of the game and simply did not have the desired impact either as a central striker or out in a wide position.
Subs:
1) Joe Allen – 5/10 – Not an out-and-out replacement for Lucas, his indifferent performance will only heighten our need to get the Brazilian fit again as soon as possible.
2) Daniel Sturridge – 6/10 – We lacked the creativity to truly get him sufficiently into the game. You have to wonder why it was Coutinho that was sacrificed if the Brazilian was fit to continue.
3) Rickie Lambert – 6/10 – Looked decent in the final minutes, creating a couple of half-chances for himself to suggest that he deserves a more substantial chance in the future.
