Liverpool, Everton's 224th Merseyside derby ends in dismal goalless draw

Everton and Liverpool's 224th Merseyside derby ended in a goalless draw at Goodison Park on Saturday, during a game that had been billed as Steven Gerrard's farewell to this Premier League fixture.

It was a gloomy game for Gerrard as apart from one second-half bicycle kick that was deflected over the top, the skipper struggled as much as anyone else in his 33rd derby to lift this game out of mediocrity.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was almost rewarded for the bold decision to give teenager Jordon Ibe only his second league start when he hit the post with a thunderous first-half effort, the BBC reported.

Everton, meanwhile, only produced a serious threat when Ross Barkley was given a five-minute cameo, setting up an opportunity for Seamus Coleman which prompted a fine late save from Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet.

Everton subdued Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho to record a third successive clean sheet, with John Stones outstanding, while Liverpool extended their recent run to only one defeat in 14 games in all competitions, the report added.