Everton and Liverpool fought out a Merseyside derby deadlock at Goodison Park as Romelu Lukaku equalised Danny Ings' opener for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Ings escaped Ross Barkley to head James Milner's corner past a static Everton keeper Tim Howard, but the game's outstanding performer Lukaku pounced on Emre Can's poor clearance to level just before half-time.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet kept his team in contention, before Ings scored, with two magnificent saves from Steven Naismith and James McCarthy.

Everton looked the stronger and more likely winners as the game progressed, so Liverpool boss Rodgers will be satisfied to have ended with a point.

 Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will have known this could have been a defining game in a managerial tenure that is coming under intense examination.

With Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti and Frank de Boer all heavily linked with Anfield, Rodgers knew defeat in such a high-profile fixture against their neighbours was not an option.

He may have even hoped for victory when Ings scored, but Everton deserved their point and arguably more besides, led by the rampaging Lukaku.

It was not a result or performance that clears the clouds hanging over Rodgers but a loss could have proved final.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group may still study how the season is progressing during the forthcoming international break, but at least Rodgers will not have a defeat to ruminate on before their next game.