Liverpool and Everton were embroiled in a stalemate in Steven Gerrard’s last league Merseyside derby.
Liverpool enjoyed a lot of possession in the game, but both sides pretty much let themselves down in the final third with the quality of crosses and shots. However, the visitors enjoyed better chances in most of the game with Liverpool’s youngster Jordan Ibe rattling the post in the first half. Everton pretty much decided to sit on the backfoot and only threaten in the attack on the counter. Only when Ross Barkley came on for the hosts, in the final minutes of the game, did they actually posed a threat of their own. Simon Mignolet made an outstanding save late in the game as Seamus Coleman’s (set up by Barkley) blasting effort was saved by the Belgian.
Captain Steven Gerrard, who played his last league derby, said after the game, “Both sides cancelled each other out first. We were looking for that spark but it never came and both defences were on top. Jordon Ibe was fantastic and he only found out he was playing yesterday. He was man of the match, it was a sensational performance from him and he’s got a big future.
“We can’t have too many complaints. I love playing here, Goodison Park is a great stadium and I have some wonderful memories here. I will miss the Merseyside derby but maybe there’s one more left in the Europa League.”
Brendan Rodgers managed his 100th league game with Liverpool and was pleased with his side’s performance. Youngster Jordan Ibe was praised by the Northern Irishman. Rodgers said, “I thought we were very good. The performance level of the players was outstanding. Everton had one shot on target and going forward we looked a real threat. It was only that final bit of luck that could have got us in.
“Overall I’m delighted. Jordon Ibe is a big talent, I was debating whether to keep him here in the summer but I felt it was important to get him out and play and feel the pressure.
“He did a great job with Steve McClaren at Derby and we knew he’d be ready to play in the team. With a bit more luck he would have got a goal tonight, he is at a high level.”
“I though we were outstanding over the course of the game. You don’t know until you put a young player in how he is going to perform but Jordon Ibe only turned 19 in December. He puts a shift in and he’s only going to get better. We had a lot of outstanding British talent in the team.”
Liverpool’s main target this season is securing a top four finish and the team could well be ruing the dropped two points. Brendan Rodgers felt that picking up even a point was essential and that his side are in a good position to secure that.
“We’re still fighting and in a good position. It was important we got something from tonight. Our level of performances are at a high level.”