Liverpool blinked first in the title race as they failed to regain top spot from Manchester City after being held to a goalless draw in the 233rd Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

A rare off day for Mohamed Salah, who wasted the visitors’ best two chances, coincided with an Everton performance of effort and energy.

Here are our ratings:

Everton:

Jordan Pickford: Stood up well to deny Mo Salah what seemed a certain goal in the first half and otherwise had little to do. 6/10 (out of 10)

Seamus Coleman: Produced a fine block to keep out a Jordan Henderson follow-up shot in a typically whole-hearted display. 6

Kurt Zouma: Got through a lot of work in the centre of defence, reading play well to keep Liverpool at bay. 7

Michael Keane: Touch occasionally let him down but generally showed excellent judgement, notably with a fine take to prevent Salah shooting. 7

Lucas Digne: Unable to pose any attacking threat but defended very well, particularly under the high ball. 7

Lucas Digne

Idrissa Gana Gueye: Kept the hosts ticking in midfield but was unable to give them forward impetus. 6

Morgan Schneiderlin: Gave Everton some bite in midfield although he was caught napping as Liverpool created their best chance of the game. 6

Theo Walcott: Looked lively and ready for the challenge but fired well wide from his only serious opportunity. 6

Bernard: Was quick to close down opponents but found he was denied the space he needs to operate himself. 6

Gylfi Sigurdsson: Was well marshalled by Liverpool and unable to influence proceedings. 6

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Got no change from Virgil Van Dijk as he found himself having to rely on long balls. 5

Substitutes:

Richarlison (for Walcott, 59): Gave Everton more punch as they asked questions of the Liverpool defence in the closing stages. 7

Cenk Tosun (for Calvert-Lewin, 74): Freshened up the Everton front line but Van Dijk dealt with him well. 6

Andre Gomes (for Schneiderlin, 76): Looked cool in possession as Everton probed late on. 6

Liverpool:

Alisson Becker: Was untroubled in terms of attempts on goal but did have the occasional nervy moment when playing out with his feet. 6

Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool tried to utilise his expert delivery from the right as often as possible but he could not quite find his range. 6

Virgil Van Dijk: Showed his usual composure and quality at the back, denying Everton any serious openings. 8

Joel Matip: Defended strongly and had the confidence to bring the ball forward regularly. 7

Andrew Robertson: Not the rampaging threat he can be on the left. 6

Jordan Henderson: Was positive in everything he did and demanded plenty of possession but not all his touches came off and he spurned a good chance. 6

Fabinho: Given too much space by Everton at times but Liverpool were unable to make the most of his presence. 6

Georginio Wijnaldum: Often bypassed in a frenetic midfield battle. 6

Mohamed Salah: Twice got into dangerous positions but could not find the killer touch when required. 6

Sadio Mane: Repeatedly troubled Everton with his pace down the middle but they stuck to him to deny him a clear run at goal. 6

Divock Origi: Was a lively presence on the left early on but did not cause serious problems and faded as the game wore on. 5

Substitutes:

James Milner (for Wijnaldum, 63): Brought a fresh burst of energy and drive from midfield. 6

Roberto Firmino (for Origi, 63): Liverpool started to stretch the Everton defence more after his arrival. 6

Adam Lallana (for Mane, 84): Final throw of the dice for Jurgen Klopp but the opportunities did not come. 5