Everton mustered just one shot on target against Liverpool as the two Merseyside clubs cancelled each other out in a goalless draw this evening.

Top-four chasing Liverpool were out of the blocks quicker, going close twice in the opening 10 minutes.

First, Raheem Sterling failed to beat Joel Robles at his near post after beating the Everton keeper to the ball before Reds captain Steven Gerrard, probably playing in his final derby, saw a free kick tipped over by the Spaniard.

Not long after, Sterling's attempted shot took a deflection and skidded across the penalty area into the path of Jordon Ibe, who was just beaten to the ball by Robles.

Everton did not muster a shot on target in the opening period, going closest when Emre Can misjudged a cross from the right and Steven Naismith failed to bring the ball under control at the back post.

Ibe, who was named in the starting XI ahead of Daniel Sturridge for just his second Premier League start, and first this season, was then inches from giving Liverpool the lead when he drove forward from inside his own half and rattled the upright with an arrow-like drive from outside the box.

Inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half, Sterling went close on two occasions as Robles stood tall and kept out a pair of left-footed efforts from the England international.

Both managers made significant changes before the hour mark, with Sturridge sent on for Liverpool before Aaron Lennon made his Everton debut following a deadline-day loan switch from Tottenham Hotspur.

Both sides were struggling to create much in the final third, but chances did arrive as the game drew to a close.

Alberto Moreno and Sturridge both went close with 20 minutes remaining before Reds substitute Rickie Lambert produced a tame effort on the turn from inside the area.

The Toffees' first shot on target finally arrived in the 87th minute when substitute Ross Barkley, moments after being introduced, fed Seamus Coleman on right and the Irishman's fierce hit was beaten away by Simon Mignolet.

Gerrard tried to be the hero on his Merseyside derby bow with the last effort of the game, but his late shot curled harmlessly wide.

Liverpool end the day four points adrift of the Champions League places in seventh, while Everton stay 12th, seven clear of the drop zone.