Everton snatched a draw in the Merseyside derby with an equaliser from an unlikely source yesterday, as Phil Jagielka netted an early contender for goal of the season in injury time at Anfield. Liverpool had started quickly against the Toffees, creating a number of good chances in the first half that were not converted, but had seemed to have scored the winner when a 65th minute free kick from ex England captain Steven Gerrard beat Tim Howard in the second half. Cue injury time and a wonder strike from the out of favour England centre half that sparked jubilation from the Everton fans.
They even had time to almost snatch the win in the dying seconds, but the game ended 1-1, leaving both teams disappointingly in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Liverpool looked to be adopting a similar blueprint to how Sam Allardyce's West Ham side had played against them the previous weekend so successfully, by being quick out of the blocks, reminiscent of the ploy that worked so well for themselves several times last season. The early goal would not come though as Mario Balotelli amongst others was profligate in front of goal. The Italian has not been an instant hit for the Reds so far with only one goal to show from his games so far, and none in the league. Half time came with the teams deadlocked at 0-0.
The second half was a more even contest with no real chances until Gerrard stepped up to take command of the direct free kick just slightly right of centre. His dead ball prowess is renowned over the years and yet again he found the target, although Howard may have been slightly disappointed to get a hand on the shot yet could only turn it into the net.
Liverpool surged forward shortly afterwards and Balotelli would have been disappointed to hit the crossbar when he probably should have scored.
It proved costly for the Reds, as already into the three minutes added on time, they thought they had safely cleared a cross from sub Aiden McGeady only for Jagielka to volley in from fully 30 yards.
Evertonians with long memories could draw parallels with a similar Andy King goal in a Merseyside derby way back in 1978.
Liverpool will hope that the soon to return Daniel Sturridge can spark an improvement in the goals' department, especially when compared to how deadly they were last season or Liverpool risk ending their league interest before the season is half way through. Everton would have been more pleased with the point, but a record of only one win from their first six matches is not what manager Roberto Martinez would have hoped for at the start of the season. An injury to the fleet of foot Kevin Mirallas was also one they could have done without.