From one derby to another, Liverpool newcomer Jordon Ibe lights up a drab Merseyside encounter

By Kait Borsay.

It may have been the third consecutive Merseyside derby at Goodison Park to end without a clear winner but Liverpool fans will feel their side has hit the jackpot with newcomer Jordon Ibe in their 0-0 draw away to Everton.

As Steven Gerrard bid farewell to the Merseyside derby, 19-year-old Ibe introduced himself in style, with easily the best chance of an otherwise frustrating game. Ibe, who’s only just returned from a loan to Derby County, shot a thunderbolt from range that smashed the woodwork.

There were flashes of dominance from both sides, but a clear lack of quality in the final third meant opportunities went awry. Liverpool had the most chances, but even the introduction of Daniel Sturridge in the second half was not enough to nail down a clear advantage.

Slowly returning from five months away with injury, Sturridge must long for a resurgence of the SAS days. No Suarez this season, but that gap could easily be filled by Raheem Sterling and Ibe. But, not in this game, despite Liverpool having the better of the possession in the second half.

It was another clean sheet for Liverpool’s resurgent goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who was called upon to make a late save from Everton’s Seamus Coleman: their best, and only chance of the game.

For Everton, manager Roberto Martinez will take heart from the side’s delivery of his tactical plan, clearly designed to keep Liverpool at bay. The game must also be used as another step on the road to recovery, following their win against Crystal Palace last week; their first in seven league games.

Despite a strong verbal exchange between Jordan Henderson and Steven Naismith midway through the second half, for which both players were booked, the 224th Merseyside derby was a fairly tepid affair.

It started brightly enough, Liverpool taking the game to the home side early on. An early free kick for Steven Gerrard didn’t initiate the fairytale goodbye, and overall the Liverpool captain will be disappointed his team didn’t have enough bang for their buck.

Everton settled some 15 minutes in, a fluffed chance for Naismith, in amongst the goalmouth action, but with not nearly enough conviction. The home side, though, looked in more in control of their tactics and formation than their opposition.

The highlight of the half, a rocket of a strike 26 minutes in from teenager Ibe, denied a goal by the post in what surely would have been a dream Merseyside derby debut on his first start for Liverpool’s senior team in nearly two years.

Clever one-two’s in and around the area from Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho allowed the visitors to see a lot more of the ball; Everton though, remained tactically astute until the half closed out.

Player of the first 45, Ibe was much quieter in the second half, which saw Liverpool dial up more chances, including what could have been a spectacular scissor effort from Gerrard. Liverpool were enjoying more possession, but the arrival of Sturridge with just over 30 minutes to go, could do nothing to help convert the chances.

Aaron Lennon, signed on deadline day from Tottenham, made his debut for Everton, coming on as substitute. A few dangerous runs on goal were a sure sign of the quality that Everton have secured.

Overall, Liverpool looked more threatening but Mamadou Sakho was lucky not to hand Everton the advantage, the centre-back was too frequently bailed out of trouble by the astute Martin Skrtel.

Sakho’s defensive misdemeanors and Coleman’s powerful shot straight into the hands of Mignolet were the home side’s best chance of a goal. Fans will rue the late introduction of Ross Barkley, whose eye for a gap in front of the goalmouth could have been the difference with a bit more time to play.

A goalless draw, then, was about right. No mistaking who the game belonged to, man of the match, Ibe. After the final whistle, his captain was quick to hand out the praise:

“Keep working hard and he’s got a great future ahead of him” said Gerrard, “it was a sensational performance, he was unlucky not to get the winner”

As one legend leaves the club, his mantle could well land in the hands of another.

Follow @kaitborsay