Toffees hold on for point

Defiant Everton emerged with a battling point from the 205th Merseyside derby.

Having beaten their nearest neighbours 3-0 at Goodison Park on September, they produced a highly creditable performance against the odds at Anfield.

There were few chances, but despite Liverpool's constant possession and second-half onslaught, they were denied a crucial three points in their quest for second spot in the Premier League.

Everton were the first to show real intent. Xabi Alonso prodded one low centre behind, before Tony Hibbert motored onto a ball on the edge of the box to crash a fierce drive into Jose Reina's chest.

However, Tim Howard produced an excellent save with his feet to block a Peter Crouch hook, before Craig Bellamy fired past Howard, only to be rightly given offside.

When Jermaine Pennant's cross was nodded on by Dirk Kuyt, Bellamy just failed to connect with a header as the ball bounced wide.

It was not until the 25th minute that Liverpool created another chance, Howard saving well from Kuyt at full stretch, while Alonso saw a 20-yard dipping effort just clear the bar.

Liverpool came out for the second period with more intent. Alonso fired a 25-yard shot straight at Howard and Jamie Carragher had a close-range effort blocked by Phil Neville.

But all the Toffees' toil was nearly rewarded on 60 minutes when Steve Finnan gave the ball away to Andrew Johnson, who cut into the box and pulled the ball away from the covering Alonso to force Reina into an excellent and crucial save from 12 yards.

The Liverpool pressure was mounting, though. Steven Gerrard sent a dipping 20-yard free-kick inches wide, before Kuyt was thwarted by a Lee Carsley tackle. However, John Arne Riise headed a deflected Mikel Arteta corner off the line as Everton made a rare appearance in Liverpool's box.