Liverpool inched closer to the Premier League title on Sunday night but only after they were given an almighty scare in the Merseyside derby.
Jurgen Klopp's side can still become champions on Wednesday by beating Crystal Palace following a dour 0-0 draw with Everton - but it will need Burnley to beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night for that to happen.
They would have been waiting even longer, however, had it not for a superb 79th minute save by Alisson Becker to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin; Everton then saw Tom Davies hit the post from a follow up when it seemed they were about to celebrate a first derby win since October 2010.
Carlo Ancelotti, Everton's manager, felt his team were 'a little unlucky' and Klopp was relieved to escape with a draw.
Klopp said: 'It was really tough, both teams showed that they understood it was a derby, even without the crowds. All players really lived the game, I liked our defending. We did not create enough chances for the possession that we had, nothing good where we had a free shot.
'They had the biggest chance - that is how it is. I have to admit that. Everton defended really well. They took care of Sadio Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold and we were not smart enough a lot of the time. For this reason (to get a draw) we can be satisfied.
'The last few derbies here have been like this (three 0-0 draws). Each time, we have to fight like crazy. We have space for improvement when we come to Goodison Park. I also know we have more to give. A point is one we deserve.'
Everton finished the stronger of the two sides and Calvert-Lewin thought he had made himself the hero when he back-heeled Richarlison's cross but Alisson's save was crucial.
Ancelotti believes the display show his team 'are good and can compete'; his striker was in firm agreement.
Calvert-Lewin said: 'It was instinct at the end, there. We had a few chances but wasn't our day. Sometimes they go in, sometimes they don't. We will take the point. It was strange with no atmosphere, bizarre for a game of this magnitude.'
Ancelotti added: 'I think we had the opportunities, we did our best. Calvert-Lewin did his best; Tom Davies did his best. We were a little bit unlucky. The draw was fair, Liverpool played a tough game. We have to focus on the performance, it was good and for this reason we can be satisfied.'
sehiklos
0
Jurgen klopp you are very good
King-10
0
If you think that a derby is an easy match then ask Man City about the Manchester derby 🤣🤣🤣
Faydelmsy
0
klopp is the one who behind the problem and yet he is the derby match was not smart enough nonsense.
I suspect you are a Chesterfield fan, a Liverpool supporter will never talk like this, it maybe that u don't even know football
Neefehmie99
2
many fails to understand that it's a Derby game. Always turf. Last season was Draw at Goddison Park. A Point is managed but not totally Accepted. ynwa
Fobacenpy
3
think positive to attract positive
Fobacenpy
2
only first proper derby after 100 days rest
Fobacenpy
3
Liverpool can still be champion even if man city win all 9 next games and Liverpool Olly draw all next 5 games
Tawamuz
1
or klopp was not good
bels
3
it's very simple to conclude. not the teams fault, klopp underestimated Everton... it's that simple🚶🏻🚶🏻🚶🏻🚶🏻
therevenant
1
One of the worst games of this season
12UnitedGuyReborn
4
Honestly both teams did great, Liverpool had most of the possession Everton had better chances but at the end of the day they both showed desire and passion and for that a draw is fair for both teams This is the first real high quality match (in EPL ) since the resumption it was beautiful game to watch though
Nanarasta11
1
Absolutely nonsense...the team played like babies ..like they were Tired..and the substitute he made was wrong..Keita was getting better in the game , Minamino was making good Tackles ..Liverpool need signing replacements of Robertson and a center back and at least one sharp forward to replace any of the front three when injured...
Tacaprstz
3
klopp is the one who behind the problem and yet he is the derby match was not smart enough nonsense.
wabzidane
2
They were dull