Credit: Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
(CNN) -
Liverpool and Everton shared the spoils on Saturday in a tense but exciting Merseyside derby, in which Carlo Ancelotti's team came back twice to draw a 2-2 draw.
Michael Keane's header in the first half had canceled Sadio Mané's first hit, before Mo Salah appeared to have snatched an undeserved victory from Liverpool in the second half.
But with just 10 minutes to go, Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his brilliant streak with a spectacular high header to ensure bragging rights in the first derby of the season didn't go to the red half of the city. .
However, the main topic of conversation came shortly after Mané opened the scoring, as Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford looked set to receive a red card for a late challenge on Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, but was stopped. because the whistle had already been for a very tight misplaced.
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Everton ultimately finished with 10 men, as Richarlison received a well deserved red card for a reckless challenge on Thiago.
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In the final moments of injury time, captain Jordan Henderson thought he had given Liverpool the winning goal, but Mané was whistled a very tight offside.
Unequal rivalry
Liverpool, determined to put that humiliating 7-2 loss to Aston Villa behind them, started the game at breakneck speed and found a well-deserved advance early after just three minutes.
A serendipitous pass from Salah found Andy Robertson on the left wing and the defender cut the ball into the area for Mané to head towards the ceiling of the net.
Sadio Mané celebrates after giving Liverpool the lead.
Heading into this match, many believed it was Everton's best chance of winning the Merseyside derby for several years, one of the most unequal rivalries in English football in recent times.
Liverpool were unbeaten in 22 games against their city rivals, the longest unbeaten streak of any team in this game, and this game seemed to follow a familiar pattern.
But Everton have enjoyed an impressive resurgence this season under new manager Ancelotti and found themselves on top of the Premier League after four games.
Some impressive signings, such as the acquisitions of James Rodríguez and Allan, were due in large part to the influence and drive of their new Italian coach, widely regarded as one of the most astute tactical minds in Europe.
Red card controversy
Both goalkeepers, Adrian, Liverpool substitute, and Everton No. 1 Pickford, have been widely maligned of late for a series of poor performances and, entering the game, many felt it was a mistake by either of them. could decide this Merseyside derby.
That certainly seemed to be the case just moments after Mané had given Liverpool the lead, when Pickford attacked Van Dijk in the penalty area.
It was a belated and reckless challenge that caused the Dutch defender's knee to twist awkwardly, his foot caught in the grass.
Jordan Pickford collides with Virgil van Dijk.
The VAR ruled that Van Dijk was inches from offside and Pickford and Everton breathed a sigh of relief, as the foul that followed the offside decision meant that the goalkeeper could not be penalized.
It raises questions about a law that allows footballers to make reckless and dangerous plays as long as the whistle has already been blown, and Liverpool had more reason to be aggrieved when Van Dijk was forced to limp due to injury.
Jurgen Klopp's team had to mourn the absence of their main defender just 15 minutes later, when Everton's Keane climbed higher in the area to finish off James Rodriguez's corner kick that scored the tie.
Everton celebrates after Michael Keane's draw.
That goal changed the entire complexion of the half and Liverpool, now without their first-choice goalkeeper Alisson, and defender, once again looked shaky on defense.
This game seemed to be available to both sides, but both teams came out in the second half looking nervous and hesitant.
Colombian Rodríguez was by far the best player on the field and his vision and passing were causing Liverpool all kinds of problems.
Another glorious cross into the box this time found Richarlison, but the Brazilian forward could only direct his header to the outside of the post.
But just when Everton seemed most likely to take the lead, Liverpool surprised the home team when Mo Salah brilliantly crashed the fumble after Yerry Mina's failed punt attempt.
Liverpool appeared to be heading for three points, before Calvert-Lewin rose into the box to head a Lucas Digne cross past Adrian's outstretched arm and give Everton a point to retain their place at the top of the Premier League. .
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores the Everton tie at the end of the game.
With a one-man lead after Richarlison was sent off in the 90th minute, Liverpool pressed for the win and thought they had secured all three points late.
Thiago's impressive pass found Mané inside the area and the forward squared the ball for Henderson to sweep Pickford into the net.
However, after lengthy consultation with the VAR, Mané was judged to be out of place by a very small margin.
It was a fitting end to a tight and sometimes controversial Merseyside derby.
EvertonJames RodríguezPremier LeagueLiverpoolPremier League