Everton fight back to draw in pulsating Merseyside derby

Everton fought back from 2-0 down in the early stages to earn a point in a fiercely-contested Merseyside derby this afternoon.

© PA Photos

Luis Suarez was at the centre of a frantic first half and his invention helped Liverpool open the scoring after ten minutes.

The Uruguayan found space in the penalty area after a pass from Luis Enrique. He lashed at goal and was rewarded when a big deflection off Leighton Baines took the ball past Tim Howard into the net.

Suarez celebrated by diving in front of the Everton dugout in retaliation to David Moyes's recent comments.

Everton were two goals behind ten minutes later when Suarez headed in a free kick from Steven Gerrard.

The Toffees responded quickly and reduced the deficit in two minutes when Leon Osman made the most of a poor punch from Brad Jones to slam home.

Steve Naismith leveled the scores before half time after latching onto a Marouane Fellaini pass to finish from close range.

Brendan Rodgers made two substitutions at half time and his side dominated possession for long spells in the second half but could not find a winner.

Raheem Sterling spurned their best chance after miscuing in the penalty area, with Suarez also coming close to making the difference.

Suarez thought he had the last laugh in stoppage time but his winning goal was ruled out for offside.

Everton stayed strong in the closing stages to earn a point which takes them above Arsenal into fourth place in the Premier League.