Liverpool 1 Everton 1: Wayne Rooney penalty cancels out Mohamed Salah in Merseyside derby draw at Anfield

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Tom Doyle10 December 2017

A Wayne Rooney penalty cancelled out Mohamed Salah's stunning first-half goal to seal a vital 1-1 Merseyside derby draw for Everton against Liverpool.

Salah gave Liverpool a deserved first-half lead after 43 minutes, but as has been the case so often this season, Jurgen Klopp's defence let the team down as Dejan Lovren gifted the Toffees a second-half spot-kick which Rooney netted.

Liverpool dominated Sunday's Anfield clash from the off, but often lacked the quality to find a way through the Toffees' back line - until Salah struck three minutes before half-time.

The Egyptian winger turned two Everton defenders on the right-hand side of the box before curling a glorious left-footed effort around Ashley Williams into the top right-hand corner of Jordan Pickford's net to spark scenes of jubilation among the home fans.

It was a difficult day for Everton as the snow fell on Merseyside, with Sam Allardyce's side creating little of note as their lack of a reliable striker continues to dog their hopes of a successful season.

Sadio Mane and Salah went close to extending Liverpool's lead, with the former in particular wasting a great chance as he shot across goal with three team-mates unmarked and waiting to finish had he opted for a simple pass instead.

Liverpool were left to rue their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal as Lovren made a mess of a simple cross to allow Dominic Calvert-Lewin in, with the Liverpool defender conceding a penalty for hauling the forward down.

The Liverpool players and fans were incensed by Craig Pawson's decision, but Rooney stepped up to score his first ever Merseyside derby goal to earn the Toffees a valuable point.