Liverpool blinked first in the title race as they failed to regain top spot from Manchester City after being held to a goalless draw in the 233rd Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
A rare off day for Mohamed Salah, who wasted the visitors’ best two chances, coincided with an Everton performance of effort and energy.
Here are our ratings:
Everton:
Jordan Pickford: Stood up well to deny Mo Salah what seemed a certain goal in the first half and otherwise had little to do. 6/10 (out of 10)
Seamus Coleman: Produced a fine block to keep out a Jordan Henderson follow-up shot in a typically whole-hearted display. 6
Kurt Zouma: Got through a lot of work in the centre of defence, reading play well to keep Liverpool at bay. 7
Michael Keane: Touch occasionally let him down but generally showed excellent judgement, notably with a fine take to prevent Salah shooting. 7
Lucas Digne: Unable to pose any attacking threat but defended very well, particularly under the high ball. 7
Lucas Digne
Idrissa Gana Gueye: Kept the hosts ticking in midfield but was unable to give them forward impetus. 6
Morgan Schneiderlin: Gave Everton some bite in midfield although he was caught napping as Liverpool created their best chance of the game. 6
Theo Walcott: Looked lively and ready for the challenge but fired well wide from his only serious opportunity. 6
Bernard: Was quick to close down opponents but found he was denied the space he needs to operate himself. 6
Gylfi Sigurdsson: Was well marshalled by Liverpool and unable to influence proceedings. 6
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Got no change from Virgil Van Dijk as he found himself having to rely on long balls. 5
Substitutes:
Richarlison (for Walcott, 59): Gave Everton more punch as they asked questions of the Liverpool defence in the closing stages. 7
Cenk Tosun (for Calvert-Lewin, 74): Freshened up the Everton front line but Van Dijk dealt with him well. 6
Andre Gomes (for Schneiderlin, 76): Looked cool in possession as Everton probed late on. 6
It ends 0-0 in the 233rd Merseyside derby. #EVELIV https://t.co/lGIixwCJAt
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 3, 2019
Liverpool:
Alisson Becker: Was untroubled in terms of attempts on goal but did have the occasional nervy moment when playing out with his feet. 6
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool tried to utilise his expert delivery from the right as often as possible but he could not quite find his range. 6
Virgil Van Dijk: Showed his usual composure and quality at the back, denying Everton any serious openings. 8
Joel Matip: Defended strongly and had the confidence to bring the ball forward regularly. 7
Andrew Robertson: Not the rampaging threat he can be on the left. 6
Jordan Henderson: Was positive in everything he did and demanded plenty of possession but not all his touches came off and he spurned a good chance. 6
Fabinho: Given too much space by Everton at times but Liverpool were unable to make the most of his presence. 6
Georginio Wijnaldum: Often bypassed in a frenetic midfield battle. 6
Mohamed Salah: Twice got into dangerous positions but could not find the killer touch when required. 6
Sadio Mane: Repeatedly troubled Everton with his pace down the middle but they stuck to him to deny him a clear run at goal. 6
Divock Origi: Was a lively presence on the left early on but did not cause serious problems and faded as the game wore on. 5
Substitutes:
James Milner (for Wijnaldum, 63): Brought a fresh burst of energy and drive from midfield. 6
Roberto Firmino (for Origi, 63): Liverpool started to stretch the Everton defence more after his arrival. 6
Adam Lallana (for Mane, 84): Final throw of the dice for Jurgen Klopp but the opportunities did not come. 5
