English Premier League: Sturridge saves Liverpool in derby thriller

Suarez and Sturridge scored a goal each, to take their individual tally to nine this season, as Liverpool came from behind to level 3-3 against Everton. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON: 

Daniel Sturridge came off the bench to earn Liverpool a 3-3 draw at Everton with an 89th-minute equaliser in a richly entertaining Merseyside derby on Saturday.

A brace from Romelu Lukaku had put Everton on the brink of a first win over their city rivals in seven matches, but Sturridge’s header gave Liverpool a share of the spoils after a frenetic Premier League encounter at Goodison Park.

Liverpool took a fifth-minute lead when Philippe Coutinho neatly controlled the ball on his knee and volleyed home after Luis Suarez flicked on a Steven Gerrard corner.

The hosts equalised three minutes later, Kevin Mirallas converting a Ross Barkley knock-down, only for Suarez to restore Liverpool’s lead in the 19th minute by whipping a 25-yard free-kick into the bottom-right corner.

Mirallas was fortunate to avoid a red card for a knee-high foul on Suarez before half-time, with referee Phil Dowd electing only to book him.

Joe Allen spurned a superb chance to extend the visitors’ lead when he shot wide with the goal at his mercy and Liverpool were punished in the 72nd minute when Lukaku tucked away an equaliser.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard produced a point-blank reflex stop to keep out a header from Suarez and with eight minutes to play Lukaku claimed his second goal with a bullet header from Mirallas’s left-wing corner.

Everton would have moved up to third place with victory – level on points with Liverpool – but Sturridge had the final say when he smartly headed past Howard from a Gerrard free-kick.

Anderson pleads for chance to save United career

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has pleaded with manager David Moyes to give him a chance to impress as the Premier League champions prepare for their visit to Cardiff on Sunday.

Anderson has only started two games under Moyes, with his last a lacklustre showing in a shock defeat against West Bromwich Albion in September.

However, Michael Carrick will miss United’s trip to face Cardiff as he is out for a number of weeks with an Achilles problem, leaving a spot open in midfield which Anderson is hoping to fill.

“I want to make an impact,” said Anderson. “When I have a chance, I have to take it. I’m happy at the club and everything is fine.