Everton 1-1 Liverpool: Lukaku leveller earns a share of Merseyside bragging rights
Danny Ings put the visitors ahead with a first half
header on his first appearance in the derby, but
the Belgian responded with his seventh goal of the
season Romelu Lukaku's equaliser ensured
Everton avoided defeat against Liverpool in a 1-1
Merseyside derby draw on Sunday.
Simon Mignolet made two excellent saves in the
first half and the visitors capitalised when Danny
Ings headed home the opener.
Lukaku equalised in first-half stoppage time after
a mistake from Emre Can, before a second half
ensued which failed to match the first for drama.
There were flashpoints between the two teams in
a match that certainly was not lacking in passion,
even though goalmouth action was at a premium
after the break.
The result means Everton extend their poor derby
record - they have now won only one of their last
18 clashes with Liverpool in the league.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have only one victory from
their last six outings in the Premier League after a
performance which is unlikely to ease the
pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers.
Seamus Coleman and John Stones were both
unavailable for Everton, while Christian Benteke
did not make it back in time to play for Liverpool,
who started with Daniel Sturridge after he was
rested in the Europa League on Thursday.
Liverpool started the brighter of the two teams
and Martin Skrtel missed the target with a header
before Ings lashed a shot narrowly over the
crossbar, and James Milner forced Tim Howard
into a low save after a clever one-two with
Philippe Coutinho.
Everton had not produced an early attacking
threat but came closest to opening the scoring
when Ross Barkley's free-kick was headed
towards goal by Steven Naismith, with only an
excellent one-handed save from Mignolet denying
him.
Mignolet was at it again with a good diving stop
from James McCarthy's drive as the home side
started to move into the ascendancy.
But the first goal arrived at the other end on 42
minutes. Milner's corner found Ings unmarked just
three yards from goal and the forward netted with
a simple header.
However, Everton mounted an instant response in
first-half stoppage-time. Emre Can made a poor
clearance from Gerard Deulofeu's cross and
Lukaku converted with an accurate low finish for
his seventh goal of the season.
Tyias Browning headed over the bar as the
second half started slowly, while a curling effort
from Barkley dropped just past the post.
The home side were looking by far the most likely
to find a winner and a right-footed Lukaku shot
was kept out by Mignolet.
Coutinho cut inside and shot straight at Howard
and Milner headed wide from a decent opportunity
as Liverpool finally threatened, but the match
ultimately finished level after a second period that
failed to match the first.
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