Anfield disappointed again as Everton earns draw

By: 21 | January 25th, 2009

Despite the disadvantage of having to deal with a rash of injuries including the late loss of Mikel Arteta as well as Marouane Fellaini absence to suspension, Everton came into Anfield with pride and held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup. With the result, Everton has forced a replay at Goodison on February 4.

The match started with all the tension of a Merseyside derby that you would expect and while Liverpool were clearly ready to pounce in the attack Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka patrolled the back-line with fundamental perfection. However it was Everton who took the lead three minutes shy of the half hour as Steven Pienaar’s corner was flicked on by Timmy Cahill to Joleon Lescott, who re-directed it into the net. With the goal advantage Anfield urged their side on but the hard tackling, resolute Toffees held them back. However nine minutes after the break, Steven Gerrard, who recently plead not guilty for a bar-room bust-up, leveled the match after receiving a stunning back-heel pass from Fernando Torres and then sending it to the inside corner past Tim Howard. The Reds had a chance to take the lead a few minutes later but the American goalkeeper stopped Steven Gerrard from point blank range and Dirk Kuyt later. As the match wore on David Moyes built for the future and called upon our teens, Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell and they played with the passion and desire we all can be proud of. Liverpool continued to pour forward but with each attempt Everton was up to the challenge and the match ended in a draw.

Following the match, David Moyes commented to the BBC:

“This is a great club, and we do things with dignity and style. But they have a great chance of winning the championship.

“We got a good point in the league and we have taken a good side to a replay in the Cup. From that point of view we are more than happy.

“It was a tough afternoon but I take great pride with how the players are performing at the moment – the resilience they are showing.

“We certainly were tired, we had to hang in and stay with it. We tried with what we had but I thought Liverpool kept the ball well and kept possession.”