Liverpool v Everton
Everton may not have ended their two decade wait for a league double over their local rivals, but their performance in the 205th Merseyside was outstanding.
A resolute rearguard display in the second half will have dominated the thoughts after this goalless draw. But the moments of fine attacking intent that were shown in the first half coupled with exemplary performances from the likes of Alan Stubbs, Lee Carsley and Tim Howard means this game should be remembered for all the right reasons.
The game at Goodison was a thrilling display that warranted such an emphatic scoreline. This time around it was the other aspect of Everton's play that shone to the fore - their spirit, resolve and determination.
And had they had a little more fortune in front of goal, it could have been another three point haul. The match certainly started in the right manner.
Inside the opening seconds a long throw from Phil Neville caused confusion in the Liverpool defence, with a mis-cued Steven Gerrard interception sending the ball spinning inches wide of the target.
It was a great start for the visitors as the mist swirled inside Anfield. Five minutes later and good build-up play from the men in Blue ended with a fierce drive being gathered by Pepe Reina. The man with the shot? Tony Hibbert, who has yet to score a senior goal for the Toffees.
Tim Howard poised to make a great save from Peter Crouch
In what was the most open start to a Merseyside derby for a long time, Liverpool went close themselves - Peter Crouch forcing Tim Howard into a superb reaction stop in the ninth minute.
There was a vibrant atmosphere and a zip to the play.
And when Craig Bellamy fired the ball beyond Howard a minute later it seemed this match had produced its first goal - but the effort by the Welshman was correctly ruled out for offside.
It wasn't all going well for the Blues though. An early booking for Leon Osman left the midfielder walking a tightrope. And he will now miss the Premiership fixture with Blackburn because it was his fifth caution of the campaign.
The home side were in the ascendancy at that point, as another fine stop from Howard to deny Dirk Kuyt illustrated with 14 minutes on the clock.
Howard frustrated the Dutch hitman again 12 minutes later. In the interim, Leon Osman sustained a nasty blow to the head in winning a header that forced Reina into action.
Both sides were intent on attacking football in the opening half hour and it made for an entertaining opening to one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the campaign.
Alonso got the home fans excited with a 25 yard drive on 30 minutes but it was easily a yard over the bar.
Mikel Arteta wins a challenge with John Arne Riise
The game maintained that pace and exuberance in the 15 minutes before the interval. But the chances for both sides began to dry up.
The second half deceived to flatter. A slow, low-key start was soon replaced by the same kind of swift, incisive football that had made the opening half so enthralling.
Howard once again frustrated the home side with a stunning block to deny Daniel Agger, Gerrard flashed a free-kick wide of the target and Alonso once again tested the US keeper.
But the best chance of the opening hour was reserved for the men in blue.
A fast counter-attack culminated with Johnson charging into the Liverpool area.
His first effort was blocked by Carragher and, to the dismay of the Everton fans behind the goal, his second bite was well blocked by Reina.
It was a good opportunity. And further underlined Johnson's threat at the sharp end of the Everton line-up.
The possession was dominated by the home side, but the Everton defence was marshalled superbly by the experienced Alan Stubbs.
And Neville, who picked up a caution in the second period, and Lee Carsley were providing exceptional additional protection.
When the home side finally got a glimpse of the goal inside the last five minutes Crouch produced a weak shot from close range to the relief of the men in blue.
When the whistle blew there was a tangible sense of frustration from the home fans. Everton had done their job superbly.
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