Everton vs Liverpool review: Gerard's last-ever derby doesn't match hype

Everton vs Liverpool review: Gerard's last-ever derby doesn't match hype

Steven Gerard's last-ever Merseyside derby didn't match the pre-match hype that domestic media had forecasted for the Liverpool legend. The game was a grim spectacle compared to last season's derby at Goodison (a fantastic 3-3 draw) and even though Liverpool were the dominate team for the majority of the match, no team really looked like finishing off the other and walking away with three points. Jordan Ibe, who spent last season on loan at Derby, was named in the line-up for only his second league start and blossomed under the intensity of the Merseyside derby (coming the closet to opening the deadlock on 26 minutes with a great effort that smacked off the post). Everton were quite reluctant to go forward in the second-half, even with the much-needed pace of Aaron Lennon introduced in the 60th minute. I was puzzled why Ross Barkley was put on in the 84th minute (especially because he was ready to come on just before half-time). Everton may have stopped the run of poor results but they still haven't addressed the problem of transforming possession into clear-cut chances. The fact that it took till the 87th minute for Seamus Coleman to register Everton's first shot on target proves this.

All in all, Gerard and co will be disappointed not to come away from Goodison with three points after creating more chances and taking the fight to Everton. Martinez's side will look at the positives before they head to Stamford Bridge, hoping to improve dramatically on the 6-3 loss in the reverse fixtures in September. There will be no big sign-off for Gerard from the Merseyside derby but at least both teams walked away with something from a grim game. 

FACT: This was only the second goalless meeting between Everton and Liverpool in their last five matches.

Gerard's last-ever Merseyside derby wasn't what the media expected it to be.