THE 220th Merseyside derby ended in stalemate as Liverpool and Everton fought out a 0-0 draw in the Premier League at Anfield.

Chances came and went at both ends but neither side could provide sufficient quality in the final third to settle a frenetic contest.

The Blues will rue referee Michael Oliver's decision to rule out Sylvain Distin's second-half header for a push, while Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho all went close to securing maximum points for the Reds.

A share of the spoils means Everton look certain to finish above Liverpool for a second successive campaign as they are five points clear of their rivals with just two games to go.

However, the Blues' 14-year wait for a victory at Anfield goes on and this was a game they needed to win in order to keep alive their hopes of securing Europa League qualification.

Brendan Rodgers named an unchanged side following Liverpool's 6-0 victory over Newcastle as skipper Gerrard overcame a shoulder injury to start.

There was just one change to the Everton team which beat Fulham 1-0 a week earlier with Darron Gibson returning at the expense of Nikica Jelavic, who dropped to the bench.

Liverpool started the brighter with Sturridge dragging a shot wide from the edge of the box after being teed up by Coutinho.

Gerrard stamped his authority on the contest and it was his searching long pass which found Sturridge in space. The striker's first touch took him clear of Phil Jagielka but his cross shot was hacked away by Distin.

Sturridge had another opportunity soon after as he cut inside off the right but fired over the bar.

Everton survived and were inches away from breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute.

Leighton Baines swung a free-kick into the box and Marouane Fellaini held off the attentions of Jamie Carragher to send a volley just past the post from six yards.

Referee Oliver showed great leniency on his derby debutant as he kept his cards on his pocket. First Gerrard and then Darron Gibson escaped with a talking to.

The Blues grew in confidence as the first half progressed as they pressed high up the pitch and forced the hosts to drop deeper.

However, Liverpool created the clearer chances. Just past the half hour mark Jordan Henderson latched on to Stewart Downing's deep cross and found Gerrard. The midfielder's goal-bound strike was brilliantly blocked by Jagielka.

Gerrard curled a 25-yard free-kick narrowly wide before some more excellent defensive work from Jagielka prevented Coutinho from slotting home.

Three minutes into the second half the Blues had Tim Howard to thank for remaining on level terms.

Coutinho's defence-splitting pass set Sturridge clear but he opted to go around Howard, who spread himself well and parried his effort away. Seconds later Sturridge turned neatly in the box but blazed into the side netting.

It was Everton cursing their misfortune just before the hour mark. Distin rose to nod home Baines' corner at the back post but the referee had already blown up for a push inside the area.

Victor Anichebe's angry response to the decision earned him the first booking of the afternoon.

Liverpool were soon back on the attack with Coutinho forcing a low save from Howard but there was no way through.

Rodgers took action midway through the second half as Fabio Borini replaced Henderson.

With 16 minutes to go Gerrard burst on to Sturridge's pass and went around Howard. However, his shot lacked sufficient power and Distin was able to get back and clear it off the line.

Moyes brought on Nikica Jelavic for Mirallas, while Liverpool's second change saw Martin Skrtel come on for Downing.

Daniel Agger nodded Gerrard's free-kick agonisingly wide before Enrique's low cross just evaded Borini.

Everton rallied late on and Pepe Reina had to palm Ancihebe's deflected strike on to the woodwork.