Steven Gerrard’s last Merseyside derby ended as a disappointing draw as neither Liverpool nor Everton did enough to score in a game that will quickly be forgotten by both sides. Jordon Ibe, a surprise inclusion into the Red’s line up had the game’s best chance as he hit the post with a effort from distance in the first half. Caution was in the air in a derby that will probably be remembered for the late-game scuffle rather than the football that was played.
Although the visitors dominated the game from start to finish, they never really created enough to score a goal, which meant that Everton extended their unbeaten run in the league to four games. The Reds who were looking to looking to move closer to the top four with a win, ended the day in seventh place, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.
Here are the major talking points from the game.
1. Ibe lights up a drab derby
Taking part in a Merseyside is an occasion that sometimes gets to even the most experienced of professionals. So when 19-year-old Jordon Ibe was selected to start for the Reds against Everton, it was met with surprise more than anything else. But by the end of the game, the English youngster showed that he was ready for the occasion and demonstrated his abilities in front of a packed Goodison Park.
One of the things that happens usually, when young players are given a go, especially in big games, is they do one of two things. They either retreat into a shell and play a safe game, or they play with no fear, attack the opponent and show just why the manager decided to pick them in the first place. Ibe did the latter as he first he started sensibly by keeping it simple before highlighting just why his time at Derby has done him a world of good. Whether it was trying to take players on, going forward or simply attacking with renewed vigor, the youngster vindicated Brendan Rodgers’ faith in him.