Everton and Liverpool play out grim spectacle ending in goalless draw
Nineteen-year-old winger Jordon Ibe — on only his second top-flight start for Liverpool — was the bright spot of a largely forgettable Merseyside derby which ended with honours even for the fifth time in the last 16 meetings.
The winger hit a post with a vicious strike at the end of a typically powerful run in the first-half and no-one else came closer to a winner, although Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, on his 33rd and potentially final derby appearance before leaving for LA Galaxy at the end of the season, and Everton’s Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman could both stake a claim.
Ibe, recalled from a loan spell with Derby County last month and pitched in at Goodison Park following a couple of substitute appearances, may well have done enough to retain his place against Tottenham at Anfield tomorrow night in a game in which Liverpool will have to try and nullify the threat of 22-goal striker Harry Kane if they are to close a four-point gap on the Londonders, fifth in the table.
“You have to look at that performance,” admitted Rodgers, whose side saw their three-match winning run in the Premier League come to an end. “He was playing a lot at Derby and we have a lot of games so I have to nurture the talent as well, but to perform like that in a big game was great and it gives me great confidence to see him as part of the squad. He has always showed flashes and come on in games and you have wondered can he do it? So to come to Goodison and play like he did, showing that confidence and temperament was outstanding. That will really help his development and push him on.
“It is easy for me to put an experienced player in, but you look at the talent on show with some of the British boys. If you saw that, then you cannot say that young British players are not technically or tactically good enough.
“Harry Kane has been the restoration for Tottenham. It is has been Harry Kane and young Ryan Mason. Two British players who can play football, can press and have got quality.
“I would have no qualms of playing Jordon now. There is no greater pressure than a Goodison game with that intensity and he was obviously man of the match.”
Apart from Ibe’s early effort, Raheem Sterling had a couple of chances at the start of the second-half and Gerrard saw an a spectacular effort deflected just over the bar at a time when Liverpool were clearly on top.
But Everton finished strongly and almost claimed their first win in the fixture in 10 attempts when sub Ross Barkley released Coleman for an angled shot which was top corner-bound until Simon Mignolet made a fine save.
A fourth successive league game without defeat and a third straight clean sheet gave manager Roberto Martinez cause for optimism, along with the return of the fit-again James McCarthy as the Ireland international produced a stirring midfield performance in only his third appearance since November.
“He is an incredible footballer,” said Martinez. “When you see him on the pitch, he gets a reaction from those around him. His enthusiasm is infectious and I thought he was outstanding.
“To last so long because he was not match fit was incredible. It is important that the squad gets everyone back. We could have Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert, Steven Pienaar available soon but we are delighted James is back.”
EVERTON (4-3-2-1): Robles 7;Coleman 7, Stones 7, Jagielka 7, Oviedo 6; McCarthy 8, Barry 6, Besic 6 (Alcaraz 86); Mirallas 7 (Lennon 60, 7), Naismith 7 (Naismith 85); Lukaku 6.
LIVERPOOL (3-4-2-1): Mignolet 7; Can 7, Skrtel 7, Sakho 5; Ibe 8, Henderson 7, Lucas (Allen 16, 7), Moreno 6; Gerrard 7, Coutinho 7 (Sturridge 56, 6); Sterling 6 (Sterling 82).
Referee: Anthony Taylor 8
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