Everton, Liverpool share spoils in Merseyside derby

Everton battled back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby of the season at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Leighton Baines put through his own net to give Liverpool the lead after 14 minutes when he diverted in Luis Suarez's low cross.

The Uruguayan, heavily criticised before the match by Everton manager David Moyes for his perceived habit of diving, celebrated by racing over to the Everton dugout and throwing himself theatrically to the ground.

The striker had even more to cheer five minutes later, glancing in a perfectly directed Steven Gerrard freekick to put his side two up.

Leon Osman halved the deficit on 22 minutes, controlling a Brad Jones punch with his chest before directing home a half volley from the edge of the box, before Steven Naismith deservedly brought the home side level 10 minutes before the break, timing his run perfectly to stab home a cross from Marouane Fellaini from close range.

Suarez thought he had sealed all three points in the final minute of injury time but his effort was ruled out by the linesman, but ultimately neither side was able to find the crucial final touch to break the deadlock.

Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters