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.

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