MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 10:35:46| >> :60:1932:1932:

Cagey Merseyside derby ends goalless at Goodison Park

Everton and Liverpool cancel each other out at Goodison Park as the Merseyside derby finishes goalless.

Everton mustered just one shot on target against Liverpool as the two Merseyside clubs cancelled each other out in a goalless draw this evening.

Simon Mignolet of Liverpool makes a save during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on February 7, 2015© Getty Images

Top-four chasing Liverpool were out of the blocks quicker, going close twice in the opening 10 minutes.

First, Raheem Sterling failed to beat Joel Robles at his near post after beating the Everton keeper to the ball before Reds captain Steven Gerrard, probably playing in his final derby, saw a free kick tipped over by the Spaniard.

Not long after, Sterling's attempted shot took a deflection and skidded across the penalty area into the path of Jordon Ibe, who was just beaten to the ball by Robles.

Everton did not muster a shot on target in the opening period, going closest when Emre Can misjudged a cross from the right and Steven Naismith failed to bring the ball under control at the back post.

Ibe, who was named in the starting XI ahead of Daniel Sturridge for just his second Premier League start, and first this season, was then inches from giving Liverpool the lead when he drove forward from inside his own half and rattled the upright with an arrow-like drive from outside the box.

Jordon Ibe of Liverpool controls the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on February 7, 2015© Getty Images

Inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half, Sterling went close on two occasions as Robles stood tall and kept out a pair of left-footed efforts from the England international.

Both managers made significant changes before the hour mark, with Sturridge sent on for Liverpool before Aaron Lennon made his Everton debut following a deadline-day loan switch from Tottenham Hotspur.

Both sides were struggling to create much in the final third, but chances did arrive as the game drew to a close.

Aaron Lennon of Everton warms up before the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on February 7, 2015 © Getty Images

Alberto Moreno and Sturridge both went close with 20 minutes remaining before Reds substitute Rickie Lambert produced a tame effort on the turn from inside the area.

The Toffees' first shot on target finally arrived in the 87th minute when substitute Ross Barkley, moments after being introduced, fed Seamus Coleman on right and the Irishman's fierce hit was beaten away by Simon Mignolet.

Gerrard tried to be the hero on his Merseyside derby bow with the last effort of the game, but his late shot curled harmlessly wide.

Liverpool end the day four points adrift of the Champions League places in seventh, while Everton stay 12th, seven clear of the drop zone.

ID:203916: cacheID:203916:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6536:
Written by
Pascal Lemesre
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Jordon Ibe of Liverpool controls the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on February 7, 2015
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: No goals at Goodison
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!