Match Analysis: Everton 3-3 Liverpool

Liverpool missed the chance to move to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with local rivals Everton at Goodison Park.

Philippe Coutinho gave the visitors the lead early on, only for Kevin Mirallas to hit back almost instantly for the hosts.

Luis Suarez's free kick then saw Liverpool go back in front before a second-half brace from Romelu Lukaku looked to have given Everton the three points.

However, Daniel Sturridge came off the bench to net an equaliser for the away side with just minutes remaining.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the teams on Merseyside.

Match statistics:

Everton: Shots 18 On target 12 Possession 51% Corners 6 Fouls 16

Liverpool: Shots 11 On target 5 Possession 49% Corners 7 Fouls 15

Was the result fair?

Make no mistake, this was one of the games of the season so far. It was a frantic, end-to-end encounter for the full 90 minutes, with a share of the spoils the most reasonable outcome for both sides.

Everton's performance

The hosts gave an energetic display throughout, working tremendously hard in midfield while always looking dangerous in attack. There were times during the first half where Roberto Martinez's side appeared a touch over-awed by the occasion, but that all changed after the break as they dominated their local rivals with some dazzlingly purposeful football. They are sure to be disappointed at conceding a late equaliser, though they could easily have been 3-1 down when Joe Allen missed an easy opportunity from close range.

Liverpool's performance

The Reds never really got going at Goodison Park, but they will be happy to come away with at least a point when the game seemed to have gone from their grasp. One area of worry will be the midfield as Everton controlled that part of the pitch for much of the match. Steven Gerrard in particular was off the pace for the Reds, while Joe Allen and Lucas also struggled. Despite these shortcomings, the visitors posed a constant threat on the counter-attack through the mercurial Luis Suarez before Daniel Sturridge came off the bench to shake things up late on. They may feel like they deserved the win considering the position that they were in, but this point could be an important one further down the line for Brendan Rodgers's men.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Simon Mignolet: He may have conceded three goals, but Liverpool's goalkeeper made a string of fine saves during the second half to keep his side on top before Everton fought back.

Biggest gaffe

With Liverpool leading 2-1, Joe Allen had a glorious opportunity to put the game beyond Everton's reach. However, the under-par midfielder somehow slid the ball wide of the post from close range when he had the goal at his mercy.

Referee performance

Phil Dowd did well to keep what was a feisty encounter under control. There were plenty of fierce challenges flying in as the game went on, but the official rarely let the players get carried away. That said, he made a huge error in not sending Kevin Mirallas off for the Everton midfielder's knee-high tackle on Luis Suarez.

What next?

Everton: The Toffees are back in Premier League action next Saturday when they welcome Stoke City to Goodison Park.

Liverpool: It is another away day for the Reds in the Premier League next Saturday as they make the trip to Hull City.