He beat Steve Simonsen to Gary McAllister's pass but was unable to find the target - and wasted another opportunity after a blistering turn of pace left Everton defender David Weir trailing. This was just one of a number of oppotunities that Liverpool wasted. They do seem to have ahabit of throwing points away at home. Never mind.
Everton's only oppotunity came from theboot of Lee Carsley, whos stinging shot was help well by Kirkland in Liverpool's goal. The first half continued to be a stalemate, Liverpool's creativity stifled by Everton's determination and defensive organisation.
Both sides made tactical changes at half time, but Walter Smith took the braver step, bringing off Ginola for Radzinski and Lineroth for Gravesen. Lineroth was unlucky to be substitued, but the decison perhaps had more to do with his match fitness than anything else.
Having two players up front gave Everton a structure there were sorely lacking. Kevin Campbell canb't play alone up front, period. Radzinski proved a worthwhile change on 51 minutes when he sliced home Pistone's left wing cross to give Everton a shock lead, against the runof play, it has to be said.
After thgi, Liverpool decided it might be a good idea to attack properly, not just pass the ball around midfield as they had been for the previous hour. They threw number forward, and it looked to only be a matter of time before the equaliser was scored.
Owen should have put them ahead soon after Everton scored. He shot over the bar from close range, and then should have hit the target with a 64th minute header after a cross from Heskey. Everton were sitting on thier lead, never a good plan, but they held out for 20 minutes before losing a goal. Anelka was the man to score it. Liverpool finally put together a slick passing move, and when Owen's pass was dummied by Heskey, Danny Murphy played in Anelka, who beat Simonsen with ease.
The home side continued thier pressure, and for a time it looked like they may steal all three points, Gerrard saved well from Murphey and Hesky looked dangerous.
Everton held out though, and will be extremely pleased with the result !