A show of unusually resolute defending from both Liverpool and Everton meant only two fantastic captains’ goals made the scoring. Liverpool looked the more likely to notch in the first half creating 16 chances to Everton’s three but it took a free kick not long after the hour mark to open the scoring, and who else but Steven Gerrard to answer his critics with a splendid strike. The game looked as if it would fizzle out to a 1-0 Reds win and then out of nowhere Phil Jagielka struck an absolute barnstormer, from around 30 yards out, to swerve into the top corner of the net at the Kop end and stun the Liverpool faithful. It’s one of those games that will feel like a loss for the Reds but a win for the Toffees.

Liverpool

Simon Mignolet 6-

The Liverpool stopper was barely tested throughout the game and could do little about the goal he conceded.

Javier Manquillo 6-

The young Spaniard showed prowess bombing down the right wing. Although at times his delivery was dangerous, at times he may have crossed too much rather then exploring inside. Defensively he didn’t have much to deal with as the Everton left wingers rarely tested him.

Martin Skrtel 6-

Skrtel did his job in front of Mignolet and even showed some promise up front at times. A solid performance tarnished by a goal he could do nothing about.

Dejan Lovren 7-

Making an array of important blocks and clearances, Lovren played very well on Saturday. He commanded his defense and was unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet.

Alberto Moreno 6-

Although slightly quieter than he has been in recent weeks, Moreno still put in his shift and bombed up and down the left flank as well as dealing with Lukaku quite well, subduing his influence on the game.

Steven Gerrard 8 (Man of the Match)-

The Liverpool skipper answered his critics today. Alongside performing solidly in front of the defense, his cross field passes were up to his usual standard and of course he scored a wonderful free kick to take the lead for his side.

Jordan Henderson 7-

Henderson has fast become an essential part of this Liverpool 11, seeming to put in good performances week after week and this game was no different. His usual work rate coupled with some excellent defense splitting passes gives him a solid 7 rating.

Lazar Markovic 5-

The Serbian international seemed to lack confidence and belief in his ability, deciding against shooting and lacking the desire to take people on that he had at Benfica he was largely ineffective Saturday.

Adam Lallana 7-

A word to sum up Lallana today? Desire. Constantly striving to get in to the box and make things happen as well as some neat touches, he looks to be a good addition to the Liverpool squad.

Raheem Sterling 6-

It’s possible that playing the full 120 minutes in midweek against Middlesborough effected Sterling on Saturday. The teenager didn’t look as sharp as he usually does and, although finding some dangerous crosses and causing trouble for Hibbert, you feel there could have been more out of him in this game.

Mario Balotelli 7-

The Italian arguably had his best game in a Liverpool shirt. His determination to keep shooting and response to Brendan Rodgers in his desire to get in to the box and be more mobile was evident. When Daniel Sturridge returns they could definitely establish a lethal partnership.

Subs-

Philippe Coutinho 5-

The Brazilian was brought on to make an impact and didn’t particularly succeed. He didn’t do a lot wrong but also didn’t create much.

Rickie Lambert n/a-

He wasn’t on the pitch long enough to encourage a rating.

Everton

Tim Howard 8-

The aging American was Everton’s best player today. If it wasn’t for a free kick which was difficult to keep out, Howard would have been able to add a clean sheet to a solid goalkeeping performance including a fantastic fingertip save from Balotelli’s close range effort.

Tony Hibbert 6-

The Everton stalwart came back into the side after Seamus Coleman failed a late fitness test and was hit and miss with keeping Sterling at bay. He was substituted on the 72nd minute.

John Stones 7-

The young Englishman held Liverpool at bay in a solid first half performance and did well considering he had to fill the boots of experienced centre back Sylvain Distin.

Phil Jagielka 8-

The rating would have been very different if, for instance, there had been no stoppage time. He put in a strong performance, captaining the side to a good defensive display and the out of nowhere fires of a remarkable half volley on the up rise to rescue a point for the toffees, a definite goal of the season contender.

Leighton Baines 6-

The usually gallivanting Everton full back seemed to be more restricted in his attacking efforts today, probably in a tactical ploy from Roberto Martinez. He defended well against Markovic and kept him out of the game.

Gareth Barry 6-

Discipline is the word as the experience-laden Gareth Barry managed to resist getting a second yellow card for 89 minutes of the game, proving usually solid in that time and protecting his back four.

James McCarthy 6-

McCarthy was quiet throughout the game but did his job, helping Barry to subdue the Liverpool attack.

Romelu Lukaku 6-

In a tactical plan that we’ve seen before from Martinez, the big Belgian striker was deployed, or at least seemed to drift, on the right side and looked uncomfortable and less ineffective as he may have been through the middle. Despite showing his remarkable strength, Liverpool’s Moreno kept him at bay.

Steven Naismith 6-

After a fruitful start to the campaign for the Scot, he couldn’t get involved in this game, testing the keeper only once with a powerful strike.

Kevin Mirallas 5-

It’s slightly unfair awarding Mirallas this rating as he had to withdraw after 30 minutes through injury but he was quiet and ineffective within this time.

Muhamed Besic 6-

In his first Premier League start, the Bosnian did okay. He showed good character recovering from the confidence knocker against Chelsea and put in a solid performance.

Subs-

Aiden McGeady 6-

The Irishman was relatively quiet although showed some promise coming down the left flank, at times looking dangerous in a difficult game to come in to.

Tyias Browning 6-

In his short time on the field, the Everton youth academy product played well, muscling Raheem Sterling off the ball in his first action of the game.

Samuel Eto’o n/a-

The Cameroon striker didn’t have long enough to affect the game.