PA PhotosLeon Osman got Everton back into the game immediately after Liverpool's second goal

The last time there was a "Super Kev" in the Everton ranks, he saved the club from relegation almost singlehandedly. Everton are fighting at the other end of the table now, but hopefully the impact is of a similar nature. Showing flashes of ability so far, this was the game that Kevin Mirallas announced himself as an Everton player. Terrorising the Liverpool defence in the opening period, only injury ensured the away side had an easier task in the second half.

As the chaos subsides, there is a slight sense of disappointment at only emerging with a point, but a share of the spoils was about right after an intense Merseyside derby. As they often do in this fixture, the officials dominated post-match talk with both sides having reason to rue Andre Marriner's woefully inconsistent performance. It should not detract the attention from what was a brilliant game of football, but it probably will.

- Everton battle back for derby draw
- Neville: Draw acceptable for both teams
- Jolly: Suarez still centre of attention

After a cagey opening, neither side had taken control or fashioned any real chances. Out of nowhere, Everton were behind; the fourth game running that Everton have conceded first. After Jose Enrique created havoc with a cross, Luis Suarez's shot deflected in off the unfortunate Leighton Baines. Although the deflection was unlucky, Tim Howard's positioning was more than questionable. The less said about Suarez's celebration and the reasons behind it, the better.

Following David Moyes' comments before the game, Phil Neville did his manager no favours with an appalling first-half dive. Thankfully, Neville apologised afterwards and admitted that Moyes had given him an earful at half time. Other clubs should do likewise instead of turning a blind eye to their own diving players.

From a free kick, Suarez extended the Liverpool lead with a header into the far corner. Once again, poor Everton defending contributed to the goal. Moments prior there had been a distinct lack of communication, with the players unsure as to who was marking Suarez. As a result, the Uruguayan rose unmarked and Everton looked set for another derby defeat.

But huge credit must go to the players, this is the type of game that Everton would have crumbled in and lost in the past. Led by the rampaging Mirallas, the home side fought their way back into the contest. Playing in his first derby, Liverpool's Andre Wisdom needed more protection as Leighton Baines and Mirallas began to create. Leon Osman pulled one back as his shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner of Brad Jones' net.

Involved again, Mirallas played a part in the Everton equaliser. His pass found Marouane Fellaini in space and his Belgian team-mate crossed for Steven Naismith to bring Everton level. In the ascendency, half time came at the worst possible moment for Everton. Unfortunately, Mirallas' contribution finished at half time after an injury ended his involvement.

The home side missed a trick when replacing Mirallas. To counter the threat of Fellaini, Liverpool switched to a back three but this left Wisdom even more isolated on the right. Rather than introduce Bryan Oviedo, David Moyes went for Magaye Gueye. Not a natural left-sided player, Gueye hampered Baines with the leftback visibly angered by Gueye's lack of movement at one point.

Without the creative presence of Steven Pienaar and now Mirallas, Everton were subdued in the second half with a Jelavic header one of the few clear-cut chances. Liverpool also continued to press with Suarez giving the Everton defence a torrid time, but chances remained at a premium.

Liverpool thought they had snatched victory at the death after Suarez netted from close range but the linesman's flag curtailed celebrations. Suarez was onside, however, there was a clear foul in the build up. Overall, the officials made the correct call but for the wrong reasons. The final whistle ended a frantic game with a 2-2 draw a fair result.

After terrorising Liverpool for 45 minutes, this was the first glimpse of Mirallas finding a level of consistency to go with his undoubted ability. The Belgian is starting to find his feet in this Everton side, so let us hope the injury is not a serious one. On the other flank, Steven Naismith scored the equaliser and showed promise but lacked the sharpness that comes with regular football.

Seamus Coleman produced his most assured performance yet, as he looks to make the rightback spot his own. Baines continues to impress and remains the league's most creative player - not bad for a leftback. The midfield remains lightweight in defence but the impending return of Darron Gibson will help with that as he offers much-needed protection for the defence. The main headache for Moyes remains the centreback position with Everton still striving for the right combination.

The way the match panned out, Everton cannot be too disappointed with a point. A trait often found under Moyes, this current stock is showing a great amount of character and spirit. Having said that, the team's defensive problems linger like a bad smell and Everton cannot keep conceding first in matches.

The returning Pienaar will provide a welcome boost, though the potential loss of Mirallas may temper that ahead of the trip to Fulham. Having overcome the underdog mentality of past derbies, Everton should use this performance as a benchmark. There is no longer a reason for the Toffees to approach these matches with any fear.

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