The 225th Merseyside Derby had passion. It had spirit. There were plenty of chances on either end of the pitch.
It did not, however, have a winner as the rivals battled to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. Danny Ings put Liverpool ahead on a header in the 41st minute, but that goal was canceled out by Romelu Lukaku in first-half stoppage time.
What it means: I don’t know if this result makes the seat any cooler for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, but reports were that a loss might have gotten him his walking papers. Six of Liverpool’s last seven matches have ended 1-1, and the natives are still restless. Everton, on the other hand, probably had the better chances and will feel that they could have picked up all three points.
Table watch: With a few matches left to play today, Everton move up to 6th with 13 points on goal difference ahead of Arsenal. Liverpool remain in 10th place on 12 points.
Men of the match: Romelu Lukaku. He held the ball up well, and found the eventual equalizer for Everton. Phil Jagielka was also key to the Toffees youthful back four. On the other side, Simon Mignolet, had several quality saves to preserve a point for the Reds.
Key moment: Lukaku’s equalizer came after a botched clearance from Emre Can. His attempt to get the ball out of the box fell to Lukaku’s feet, and he knew what to do.
They said it: “I thought that we were the better team in the first half. Looked a real threat going forward and deservedly took the lead. We’re disappointed with their goal. It was a mistake. The second half, we knew we’d come under a wee bit of pressure because we were the better team. The game became a bit more counter attack for us, but I’m really proud of the players.” – Rodgers, on Sky Sports
Stat of the day: In seven matches with Everton, Rodgers has led Liverpool to a win and six draws.
What’s next?: Liverpool will visit Tottenham after the international break on Oct. 17. Everton will host Manchester United on the same Saturday.
