Lukaku strike forces Liverpool and Everton to split spoils on derby day

Liverpool picked up a much-needed point away at Goodison Park, ending evenly at 1-1 with local rivals Everton, and drawing for the third Merseyside derby in row.

This Mersey match-up began in typically frantic fashion, with Liverpool’s midfield frequently threatening to unpick the Toffees tight defensive line.

Dangerous Daniel Sturridge was gifted a slick opening within minutes and, after the Englishman’s recent attacking exploits, many would have backed the marksman to dispatch past Tim Howard. Everton backline enforcer Phil Jagielka has been in equally imperious form, however, and crucially cut-out the chance.

The Reds continued to probe, with Philippe Coutinho and James Milner combining wonderfully, though the latter could not beat Howard to the Brazilian playmaker’s lovely lofted ball. While, there was a typically heated scuffle as Emre Can and Ross Barkley squared-up following a sweeping tackle from the Germany international.

Roberto Martinez’s men grew into the game, though, and much-maligned goalie Simon Mignolet ended up the hero of the half, twice denying the Toffees in quick succession.

A one-glove save from a close-range Steven Naismith header was stopped superbly, as Mamadou Sakho let the Scot slip away at a set-piece, with the Belgian custodian later keeping out a James McCarthy strike despite being unsighted.

It was Danny Ings who finally broke the deadlock just before the break. Perhaps celebrating his recent England call-up, the predator was left criminally unmarked by compatriot Barkley in Everton’s box, and crisply nodded in an easy header from Milner’s curling corner.