The number of chances to beat Mignolet that were spurned was simply shocking. Deulofeu far too selfish at times but he was the difference in the second half. Can't understand why Martinez didn't play him from the start. He clearly needs lots and lots and lots of game time.

A very emotional game but, for me, this is two points dropped through poor defending and poor shooting.

Mignolet was the difference today but we need to sharpen up in front of goal and defending the goal too.

McCarthy was my MoM. He was superb and worked his arse off all game

Proud to be a blue but just wish we could have held on

Overall, I'm not too downhearted, it was a very open game and good football from both sides. It could have easily been 6 all.

I liked the balance of the team when Baines went off and it wasn't a like-for-like change. I thought Barkley and McCarthy ran the show.

Ross Barkely and Gerard have to start matches - both are raw and make some wrong decisions, but we are simply a different side with them playing.

We were unlucky Suarez the dromedar is still living and breathing.

The game all over was one we could and should have won. The shite had an excellent keeper for most of the game, and we had a sloppy defence. Otherwise we were the better all round, I think.

Mirallas, however, needs to be taught some lessons in finishing off the dromedar in a more stealthy way.

Quite honestly, by the time of the frenetic end, it could have been any score - but we definitely had the much better chances, particularly on the break.

One of the highlights for me was replacing the injured Baines with Deulofeu - what a massively positive stroke, showing the intention to continue to take the game to them. Maybe that was just the inspiration that the team needed to get back in to it, and then dominate the game.

If not for Mignolet who was class, that game would've been ours.

I have to disagree with you re Mirallas.
Give me that attitude over a laid back one every time.
He got his revenge for the sly tackle from Suarez that kept him out for a spell.
You are right re Deulofeu he needs to lift his head when he gets in the box,he could create a goal every single game.Beats a man like he is not there but takes the wrong option a lot of the time.

But can I be the only one thinking if OFM was still in charge he'd now be getting slaughtered for "negative" late subs?

I really hope these silly deluded fucking kopites would lower their expectations, talking about winning the league — it's laughable. We're as good as them but, as I said, gutted at losing a goal so late.

To say in the report above that we threw it away isn't really a true reflection of a game that we could just as easily have lost had Joe Allen scored a sitter to make it 3-1.

Mignolet made a lot of saves after that to keep them in it, but a true reflection is that after what was a fabulous game of football, a draw is a good result for us. Yeah I'm as pissed off at not winning as the next person, but we looked good and competed - we must stop this stupid zonal marking though, because it leaves Howard so exposed. As a result we concede goals from set pieces regularly and the supporters blame the keeper, which is totally unjust.

Happy to see Stones cut his derby teeth too.

The bottle shown from the manager is great to see. Blaines off and Deulofeu on??? Fantastic to see.

I am very proud with the performance, considering that Baines went off and Kev should have seen red. Martinez's decision to bring Del on for Baines was inspired, and shows he can be tactically flexible.

We mixed it up well, and thankfully reduced the number of those hospital passes across the defence. I think this should show those biased journos that on our day, we can be top 4 material and a match for anyone.

I admit too that Lukaku was quiet until his two goals, but I was impressed with Deulofeu as well. I think this should see him in the site instead of Pienaar for the Stoke game.

I'd pick for next time:

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Distin Baines(if not fit, Oviedo)
Barry McCarthy
Mirallas Barkley Deulofeu
Lukaku

Just for once I can see our tippy tappy passing totally undoing a shit Stoke team and next week could be that slaughtering that we owe someone as long as we keep the same confidence and team spirit that we showed today.

For me, the first thing we need to do in January is sign a commanding strong centre-half, maybe two as it's obvious that Distin and Jagielka are useless at defending an aerial battle and that should be a centre-halve's bread and butter. Jagielka is a midget for a defender no wonder we concede so many bleeding times like today.

We need a Dave Watson there, someone barking orders and being heard organising the team. I just don't think Jags or Distin can do this, they are both decent readers of the game but there is a reason why we concede so many basic goals from crosses.Loathe to say it but we could do worse than get Shawcross even though he is a cynical bastard, I wish Jags could be a bit more like him at times.

I felt a mixture of emotions today, proud of our display but evidently let down by them playing shite here again but we somehow let them score a fucking sackful. We know where we need to spend some money now anyway, if we didn't before. Rectify the problem that has dogged us too often for the last year and more.

These clowns have outspent Man Utd in the history of the Prem, 3rd only to City and Chelsea and as we stand, if money is the one and only factor, their best should always outgun ours – but it ain't – and never will be.

Well done, Robbie and the boys, from one very proud Blue right here.

What has gone seemingly unsaid today is just how massive and important Barry is for us. Having not followed him much until this season, I don't know if he has a history of filling in back there, but when RM moved him there, I wasn't at all concerned. Such is his professionalism and leadership, I knew he'd be okay, but he flourished. In January the club needs to tie him to a permanent deal for next season.

The biggest downer for me, apart from the equaliser, was Pienaar's passing. His positioning for most of the match was top drawer, but it seems that he has completely lost the ability to weight a pass appropriately.

Finally, Mirallas will always have a place in my heart after that.

The purist would have hated it and heard Roberto bemoaning our inability to defend set pieces but he can be proud of his lads, his tactics and his substitutions today.

.....and what a change came over Mirallas. Stuck it up 'em proper !

Barkley will be a star.

Why didn't Tim Laden come for the ball that went for a corner when Coleman headed it back that led to their first goal? Some awful defending today but plenty of top football played by our lads.

I can't grumble but it feels likes a loss to be honest.

I thought we actually played well the whole game except for little 5 min periods, but you'll always get that. Barkley bounced back with a magnificent performance, what a tremendous player he'll become. His strength, pace, technical skills are outstanding – again, just need to get the last phase right: when to pass... when to shoot.

McCarthy reminded me of Alan Ball, Peter Reid – always snapping, breaking up attacks; again, give him a few more matches and he'll become a top top player for us. Like most others on the site, I thought Lukaku was so poor in first half, I actually thought we might see Jelavic, but what a 2nd half, a bear of a man.

Mirallas was a different player today, committed, pacey, sharp and possibly was unlucky not be MotM. Deulofeu again came on and will in time develop into another class player.

Last comment afforded to Roberto: what a positive manager, I couldn't believe he took Baines off and replaced with Deulofeu — what a belief in winning games!!!

As for Deulofeu, he really needs to learn how to pass and understand that it's a team sport, not a one-man-show.

Other than that, I thought we really battered them in the second half and should really have won if not for the set-piece mistakes (and the fouls that led to them).

In Lyndon's thread one post caught my eye. It read that this is Roberto's work in progress and he was spot on! It was so good to see our players, especially our young ones, giving their all and showing no fear. There were some glaring defensive cock ups but we never gave up.

In fact, we could have won it and it bodes well for the future to see our lads going at them. A great performance and I think that Roberto Martinez has brought an expansive, footballing style, at last, to Goodison Park.

I think he is also bringing some pride to our club, it's going to take time and there's the problem of whether we'll have the money to get new players in, and also whether we can keep Ross and Bainsey and our other better players.

All in all though, we weren't in any way intimidated and to come away from the match feeling disappointed, probably shows how well we played.

In fairness to the lad, he has been a bit isolated in recent games and has been getting few crosses in from either flank. Skirtl also handled him very well today but Lukaku eventually came out on top. Everyone else had a blinder.

Lukaku quiet but good goals. The rest apart from Delboy played well to very well (McCarthy a rock).

But for me Delboy is not yet one to start a game. He threatens with some runs. But too many other runs are into a cul-de-sac; he doesn't spot when the pass is on; and worst of all (after seeming to get to grips in the Spurs game with his defensive duties) he was absolutely abysmal in tracking back. The space he left in our half on our right was terrifying at times. Nowhere near a starter for me.

It was a brave change because we have not seem him exercise that kind of flexibility, moving Barry to left-back. But I think it was Deulofeu's energy, desire and skill that changed the game, and I was a bit disappointed with Barkley at times, to be honest.

But mostly disappointed with our dreadful shooting. Mignolet was like a magnet for the ball. Lukaku in the first half was maddening; a striker HAS to place the ball away from the keeper's body. Very frustrating.

I wonder how much it's figured that being subbed at the break is a kind of snub? Even if you are clearly injured, I think being 'hauled off' at the break perhaps sends the wrong message? Just a thought.

It was a brave and positive change to make; not many managers would do that so all credit to Roberto.

Barkley is a work in progress, he will be some player. He makes the wrong choices at times but he is 19; that will come with more games.

To be honest, the only time I can remember in the 2nd half him having one touch too many was when he carried the ball 40 yards into their half, he tried to commit a defender to come to him, so we had a 2 v 1 situation, and was dispossessed. I can't remember another mistake in the second half.

He will give the ball away at times, that is because he tries the eye-of-a-needle positive pass at all times; give me that over the player who takes the safe option every time.

And second, as Michael hints, is there a snub in there? Very interesting!

But two very nice and very important goals scored. So all is forgiven.

I like the lad a lot, he shows some great skill and determination, and the inability to get his shot off probably shows how much respect he is getting from defenders, who know full well he can pop one given half a chance. Just wish he'd cut out the wild shots as they look more like desperation and are silly ways to end a good attack.

In January, we need to look for at least one defender, plus a Baines replacement. Disitin was getting pushed and pulled all over the place today.

Our defenders just need to rehearse defending set pieces. They did well against the best striker in the Premier League even though he missed quite a few games at the start of the season. Baines has a foot injury and is being X-rayed.

If Baines is out for a bit, they'll have to pick on Barkley going to MU instead!

Yep, Michael, I agree with you on the 1st half from Lukaku, it looked like he was overweight and ran like he was running through rice pudding! but he never gave up and in the second half his all round play was better.

I'm not sure about the criticism of his efforts trying to do something with his back to goal, and a long ball booted up to him. Even Dunc had bad times with trying to do something with a wellie from the back.

I think his play improved in the 2nd half because we played a lot faster football, coming out of defence, and he was getting some balls he could run on to.

It also helped to see how we started getting some decent crosses in. I second what Colin has just posted. Ross is 19/20, James isn't much older and Gerry and Rom are only 19 as well. I think they gave the Liverpool players a bloody good match.

I think if we can keep him, Ross Berkley will be a regular for England and our Captain. One of the callers on Merseyside compared him to Duncan Edwards...praise indeed. I thought Miralles had a cracking game and Pienaar played much better than recent games.

All in all, still disappointed but bloody proud of the team at the same time.

RM's post-match interview impressed me - we should have won and this was a positive approach. Looking forward to MoTD now.

Roman #636 - I agree with respect to Gareth Barry.

Tony #645 - I think we're aligned with our views of OFM but aren't you forgetting the Andy Johnson derby?

I hope we can stuff them at their place for a change.
Onwards and upwards.

I shall say it was another brave decision by a sensible referee who did not want to ruin the game and saw it perhaps as his first offence? [Okay... bit of a stretch... but how nice for it to be them moaning and not us.]

Although that sending off by our friend Mr Friend.... oh deary me. He needs demoting for a month or three!

I heard RS fans had some piss-taking "18 years" congratulations banner re: trophyless years.

If it was me I'd have had batons and German Shepherd dogs set on to them. Then tear gas.

We'd never get away with that at their place.

All-in-all a very promising game for the future and a refreshing change from the defensive mindset of the previous manager in derby games.

Now, our wonderful manager is graciously withdrawing his accusation after watching the replay of said incident, seeing that Gerrard did not commit an offence. Takes a bit of class to publicly admit you were wrong, and make a retraction.

Well done, Roberto!!!

Total mixed feelings: We shoulda won it, but easily could have lost it. Happy with Martinez and the change of vibe and inferiority default that's been present for the last 10 years.

We should have punished Allen for missing that gilt-edged chance. I think the game changed when Baines went off, Deulofeu started to terrorise their back four; under our former manager, you can bet your bottom dollar he would have shut up shop and brought on Heitinga for a midfielder or forward – but, oh no, that's not Bobby Martinez's style.

You have to question Howard lining up that wall when Sewer Rat took that free kick, no way should he have been beaten from there... And secondly, I love how the foul by Mirallas on Ratface has been highlighted effortlessly on numerous on occasions; yes, it may well have been contentious in terms of a red... However, such is the media bias towards the reds that they never highlighted the same incidents last season, did they? Sewer Rat taking out Mirallas and then raking the back of Distin's heels... I love how all that got brushed aside.

I like what Martinez is doing and we certainly have a good set-up; if we can add one or two in terms of quality in January and perhaps shore up the defence again then this could be an even better year for us than most expect. Remember, Martinez has said this is a 'transitional' period at the club. Good times to roll ahead at Goodison, I feel.

Very eloquently put.
When you take into account the antics of Gerrard over the years in derby games he is very much overdue.

A pretty good night of sport coming up on radio (the fight) and TV (MotD).

I have to say, I'm also proud of Everton today, give Roberto the players and he'll be a truly great manager for us. We continue to look frail though when defending set pieces, which is puzzling given that our defenders are all very experienced players, they shouldn't need to be told how to defend, having said that, RS weren't much better today.

All-in-all though, our performance can only enhance our reputation in the Prem, it was a truly great game, with class play from most of our players.

I hope Martinez has money to spend in January.

Others – including MK – are picking the negatives out of the performance but I've always looked for excitement with my football and will lose no sleep over the extra two points we MIGHT HAVE won.

RS supporters could make all the same points as the naysayers – I just relished one of the best derbies in nye on 50 years.

Couldn't agree more. Just a great, great game to behold.

So cool Lee Carsley (my favorite) tweeted out as well.

The whole Blue family should be proud of this game and most importantly our approach under our new manager towards the derby.

I know we shoulda had all 3 points but I just can't help but smile ear to ear since this morning.

I've not bought into Roberto's Way up to now but he struck exactly the right tone in his after-match comments and I share his pride in our performance.

After all, the bastards were never going to just roll over, were they?

Its just so annoying that we don't seem to be able to stop giving cheap free kicks away.What was Distin doing? So infuriating. Brainless. Whatever else is going on, our defenders need to be disciplined.

Can we hope that it will be the lead game in tonight's MotD ?

I thought we would win 3-2. I nearly won my bet with my two sons.

Without giving too much credence to OFM(knife to a gunfight and all that), there is no doubt that under his watch we have become a match and at times more than a match for the RS, and from the commentary on Radio City (and even Aldridge admitted that we were the best team)

But can we come away with the points? maybe we need to spawn a few games (I remember one where Mo Johnson scored after we had been battered by the RS), because there's no doubt they got us in a physiological headlock

I love good football almost as much as I love Everton and fair play to Liverpool, they played their part, as one might expect given their modern-day superiority, but they were over-run.

The blue shirts swarming their box via slide rule passing from every angle, the pace and creativity bringing chance after chance the courage to go toe to toe both physically and with the ball was simply magical.

Alright we did not get what we deserved but we scored 3 against Liverpool!! We come back from behind twice and took the lead!! ... we just don't do this in the painful modern era.

Kendall's great turning point was the "Oxford" game but to my mind the real milestone was the League Cup Final against the all conquering Liverpool side.

We didn't get what we deserved that night as McDermot chipped in a wonder goal but we played so well even Souness acknowledged they got lucky - we never looked back after that.

"To sleep, perchance to dream.....", I most certainly will this night – fantastic stuff.

The biggest positive for me that hasn't gotten a mention is our counter attacking. Although we spurned several chances and Mignolet had a blinder, I haven't seen so many high intensity counter moves from Everton in the 11 years I've followed them.

Thank you Roberto for understanding what it means to be an Evertonian. In the return we can be confident of going over there and putting them on the back foot. Making those smug bastards worry about us and our players. Its been too long, thank you for giving us back our respect.

You are spot on ... the ravages of the passing years eh?

(shakes head for sawdust while researching "senility" on web)

I thought Barkley & McCarthy were outstanding, and they are the future going forward from here. It was great to see us attacking down the middle, and the flanks.

Even their fans are saying what a good side we are, what an incredible change in attitude after 12 games. Bring on the Mancs at their place, I even think we may get out of there alive!

It continues to stun me that my fellow Blues can even consider Howard fit to wear our shirt – and yet you say that he 'did OK' The last line of defence of any team is the goalkeeper – and we don't have one!

Did you actually watch Howard yesterday when the free kick was taken by Suarez? Once again, he messed up. He organised the wall, and stood to the right of centre, on his right foot when the shot – a great one – was delivered. He then took two minutes to dive in his attempt to make the save – because of his misjudgement. He was so far away, he couldn't get to the ball. Sure, the wall didn't do it's job, but the shot was taken from maybe 30 yards out, and at the bottom line, Howard is there to make the save: he didn't – his fault!

How many times must this guy get a start when, through each season, he makes howlers that cost us lots of points? Are you going to say that "he saves us in many games though" – well here's the thing: that's his job – make saves.

The guy is a clown, and the moment he does get dropped, he'll throw a huff a want to leave. He's weak coming out of goal and is suspect for long-range shots – second only to Richard Wright. I'll give you this though, other than the above, "he's ok"...

Distin – he's been a good servant but, my word, he knows how to drop clangers in big games, and at the age he is, this must be his last season for us.

Still lot's of changes Roberto needs to make. A good performance overall, but if Roberto persists with Moyes's players, he'll only keep getting Moyes's results.

Howard and Distin may be on the veteran side but neither is anywhere near finished and yesterday they certainly contributed to a brilliant performance by our top class team.

But if you are seeking absolute perfection, you'll wait for a bloody long time, mate!

Brilliant.

The thing that really did my head in was not one of our players gave a monkey's that Gerard had moved the ball what seemed a decent 8 or 10 yards to create the perfect angle for their free kick. WHY? Our players (especially our captain) should have been out in Dowds face barking!

Really disappointed we could not win it. The only way I will feel better is to beat them at their place.

Regarding Barkley, he would not have been on the team sheet under Moyes, most probably on loan somewhere, without an England call-up. Ozzie would have deffo got the nod.

Martinez has transformed this team within a matter of months — months not years, not only by the style of play; he has changed the player mentality to a positive one.

John Stones should be a regular; give him more game time, Robbie – he's your type of footballer. This guy will be regular for the blues for many years; he has all the attributes to be England regular in very near future.

Roberto Martinez has to change the goalkeeper, like Rodgers. Howard bears no comparison to Reina, but he was sent packing. Roberto must do the same to make us into a better team capable of winning a trophy.

And don't challenge my commitment as an Evertonian just because I hold different views on the merits of certain players to yours.

Howard is a different matter. He is a poor keeper who makes mistakes and poor judgement calls on a regular basis. He has never been able to dominate his area, cannot come out to pluck a dangerous cross out of the air, has always been suspect to long range shots, and his positioning in his area when protecting his goal often leads to opposition goals. He also comes off his line too often, leaving himself open to long-range attempts over his head, but when crosses come into his area he remains rooted to his goal line. I hope that makes my views clear!

Now, I know that Howard has had some good performances of late but, over a season, season after season, he is prone to make important mistakes that cost us points. There can be no question about that.

In an earlier post, you said that yesterday, it was a 'brilliant performance by our top class team'. What a ridiculous remark to make when we drew, thanks to (at least) one mistake in the 89th minute – the 89th!!! In doing so we dropped yet another two points – three points gained in the last three games. Everton did well yesterday, but there is a long way to go before we become 'top class'.

A big disappointment to me with my fellow Blues is the sentimentality many fans have for players who just are not good enough any more. It's a business, and they get very well paid, but when they're not good enough or too old, say goodbye – no sentiment. We don't have the funds of Man Utd, but they will not, and do not, persist with under performers – I'll let you list all those they have discarded as 'not good enough', and when you list them, add the name Tim Howard to the end.

We must be ruthless – either a player is good enough, or move them on quickly. If we're to become great again, there can be no alternative.

I've watched a rerun of the game a couple of times now and can't believe the way we cut them open at will. Yes, they had a couple of great chances but I've never seen us get amongst like that in a long time.

My god, we've got some cracking young players there... Barkley obviously... Stones is going to be a gem... young Gerrard – what a pity he's on loan... and big Rom, who looked like he was having a mare then scores 2 gems.

But the one who stood out for me was James McCarthy. I thought he was immense; he covers every blade. When you look at Henderson and that thing Joe Allen and the money they shelled out on them two... we got a bargain.

It's looking good for the toffee men but we should be higher in the league. Thanks, Roberto, because that wouldn't have happened under you know who.

I think that's an unreasonable comment. Many Evertonians have expressed their pleasure at the performance overall, less so the result. In an ideal world, perhaps one should lead to the other but, in football, we know that is not always the case.

Everton performed very well yesterday — it was a 'brilliant performance' when you contrast it with the two previous games.... both of which also ended in draws and lost us two points each.

I hate to use the word because it is so overused, but this really is a case for needing some 'perspective'.

Barca boy is another likely to take years off the lives of Evertonians this season. Quite brilliant at times, quite awful at others, giving the ball away but then looking like a genius and a match-winner. No idea what Roberto will do to accommodate him but here's a thought...next week against the pub team known as Stoke City we may play Barry at left back. Why not partner McCarthy with Ross and play Deulofeu behind our battering ram of a No 9? Risky, I'll grant you, but surely worth it as we really must win next week. Interesting times.

Whilst no player is indispensable (who misses Fellaini?) it would be nice to still have the loan players around. This may be unlikely but you never know.

Everton are proving difficult to beat it's true but we need to win more often starting with the Stoke game. Things are bunching up at the top and the money clubs have shown the have the top strikers to carry them through.

I have said that in Saturday's game the Blues played well, but to say it was 'brilliant' really is overstating your case. It's unreasonable to compare it to the previous two games, which I agree, we're awful.

Had Saturday's game been at Anfield, I would have agreed wholeheartedly that it was a good result and performance. Had we pulled back from defeat to gain a draw, that would have been a good outcome. However, this was a home game against our 'enemies', where the Reds first two goals at least we're defensive errors, yet again. We did amazingly well to get a third well deserved goal, until Distin gave away an unnecessary foul leading to the third, costing us two points.
If I remember correctly, we had 4 or 5 'one on one's' and failed with all of them! That cannot be described as brilliant, although there was a lot of passion!

Whilst Martinez said he was very pleased with the performance, I am absolutely sure that at Finch Farm this week, he will be looking at the defensive mistakes that cost us the game, and those 'one on one's'.

We Blues need to 'wise up' - we will only win a trophy when and if we reduce our mistakes in games, and remove those players who cannot be relied upon in big games.

Martinez is doing a great job, but is being let down by these players. We must strive to get better, and refuse to accept anything less. One point, regardless of the performance, wasn't a good enough outcome from that game, and that down to defensive errors. In the cold light of day today, our Blue fans will be disappointed today that we 'lost' more points in the closing stages of yet another game.

Alternatively it's a start for Stones, leaving Barry and Macca together.

He is clearly an exciting talent but one with much to learn:

1. He looks to be one greeder, glory-hunting heifer at times, constantly wanting to score Goal of the Season having beaten eight players on his own.

2. As a consequence. his decision-making often sucks like a vacuum cleaner. Instead of passing the ball to a better placed team member, he tries to finish himself from more difficult positions.

Yes. He makes mistakes. As do all top keepers I know of. But he do make many good saves. Set pieces is not his strong side, we all know that for a fact. Otherwise, I rate him among the top 5 in PL.

Also, Distin, is in my op the best defender we have. Also makes mistakes, but heck, the man aint' a robot. Even though he looks like one.

The wall was placed correctly and Suarez bent the ball around the outside of the wall and it swerved inches inside the post...he did exactly the same against Man City earlier this season. The wall could have been moved further across or had an extra man in it but the fact remains that the wall was correctly set and was beaten by a superb finish!! It was not Howards fault nor any of the defenders placed in the wall.

This fact was pointed out by both Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher and I reckon they would have definitely blamed our defence if it was the case. Both were top players and I reckon their explanation is worth far more than the knit picking negative comments written here. It was a fantastic match and we should have shaded it over a very good and expensively assembled Liverpool side.

As far as I am concerned Barkley shone for us and young Flanagan did for them, both Liverpool born lads who played better than a lot of expensive, experienced players on both sides. If Stones can step up to the plate too I will be over the moon.