Rafael Benitez bitterly described Everton as a "small team" after his neighbours celebrated an unexpected but deserved point at Anfield, where they dented Liverpool's hopes of claiming runners-up spot with an obstinate defensive performance.

Liverpool toiled in growing frustration in the 205th Merseyside derby, but they could not find a way past Alan Stubbs and his team-mates, who added a point to the three they claimed back in September from a 3-0 victory at Goodison Park.

A frustrated Benitez said:

"After a game when a team comes to Anfield and plays a top side like that, looking for a draw, what else can you call them? Playing against a small team it is not always easy when they have nine men behind the ball. One team wanted to win while one team came not to lose."

For all his complaints though, Everton earned their point. And, with fog rolling in across a packed and rocking Anfield, they even started the brighter. Despite a fierce drive from Tony Hibbert, there were however few real chances in the first period.

Tim Howard was forced into an excellent reflex save to block a Peter Crouch hook though, before Craig Bellamy got in on the left to take a return ball and fire past Howard, only to be rightly given offside.

Everton were doing a decent job of containing Liverpool's attacking threat, an extra man in midfield at the expense of a striker proving a key tactical move from David Moyes.

Mikel Arteta, in particular, showed strength and skill on the right while Alan Stubbs and Joleon Lescott were coping with the aerial threat of Crouch.

It was not until the 25th minute that Liverpool created another chance, Howard saving well from Kuyt at full stretch, while Alonso saw a 20-yard dipping effort just clear the bar. Liverpool's back line were being harassed into mistakes. This must have encouraged Everton, because they knew they were halting their rivals' flow.

Liverpool came out for the second period with much more intent, but Phil Neville was never far from Steven Gerrard and his marshalling of Everton's midfield was outstanding. After the match, he admitted that was Everton's intention from the outset.

"It's midfield where the battles are won and we wanted to get in their faces, not give them time on the ball. In the past we've rolled over but we didn't today."

And all the Toffees' toil was nearly rewarded on 60 minutes when Steve Finnan gave the ball away to Andy Johnson - in the team as a sole striker after a late fitness test - who cut into the box and pulled the ball away from the covering Alonso to force Reina into an excellent and crucial save from 12 yards But at the other end, despite Liverpool's frustration, the pressure was mounting. Gerrard sent a dipping 20-yard free-kick inches wide.

Neville was booked for a foul on Bellamy five minutes later as Everton were forced back, leaving Johnson isolated up front. Kuyt was thwarted by a Lee Carsley tackle, and then delayed too long after being set up by Bellamy.

Liverpool just could not find the space and time in the box to make their possession tell.

On 80 minutes Johnson, who had chased everything diligently all game, was replaced by Victor Anichebe.

Five minutes later the hardgrafting Bellamy was replaced by Robbie Fowler, for what will almost certainly be his last Mersey derby.

Crouch just failed to connect to his neat touch from a Carragher ball into the box.

Fittingly, Stubbs was named man of the match, but he was quick to share praise.

"It was always going to be a battle. The lads deserve a lot of credit. It shows massive progress. We're unbeaten against them this season and it's a long time since we've been able to say that. It is something we have got to build on."

By the evidence of this, they've already started doing so with that defence.