Player Ratings: Everton 0-0 Liverpool

Joel Robles - 8

Assured, confident and equal to anything Liverpool's attack could drum up when called upon, I'm beginning to think that Joel might not be the walking disaster he appeared to be for so long. In all seriousness though, Robles continues to improve with each game. Long may it continue.

Seamus Coleman - 8

Coleman had his best game for months in the derby, and this despite a complete lack of support on the right flank (until Aaron Lennon came on at least). The Irishman - so timid for most of this season ­- was back to taking on opposing full backs like it was 2013 all over again, and came painfully close to grabbing a deserved goal late on.

John Stones - 8

In the eight league games in which Stones has played centre back for Everton this season they've conceded five goals. In the remaining 16, they've conceded 29. Dominant in the air and elegant on the ground, Stones was once again the lynchpin of Everton's defence in the derby and is quickly becoming one of the club's most important players.

Phil Jagielka - 7

Another solid performance from Jagielka, who is certainly benefitting from playing alongside Stones in the Everton defence. The pairing did well to handle the creativity and pace of Coutinho and Raheem Sterling on Saturday, but stopping Chelsea's array of attacking talent on Wednesday will be another proposition entirely.

Bryan Oviedo - 5

Called upon to fill in for Leighton Baines due to injury, Oviedo struggled with the intensity of the derby, and was worryingly pegged back by Liverpool's Jordan Ibe throughout. I'm a fan of the Costa Rican at full back but this was one of his poorer games.

Muhamed Besic - 7

Did a solid job for the most part at keeping Philippe Coutinho and Steven Gerrard quiet while working well in tandem with Barry and McCarthy. It's unlikely to happen, but it would be interesting to see Besic play alongside the latter in what would certainly be a mobile central midfield pair.

Gareth Barry - 6

An unspectacular but serviceable performance from Barry, who had the benefit of two quick and mobile players to partner him in the centre of the park. Several passes went awry, and some needless fouls were conceded, but otherwise he was a useful member of a midfield designed to stifle and constrict.

James McCarthy - 8

Imperious on his return to the side, McCarthy was everywhere against Liverpool. Harrying opponents, destroying budding attacks and beginning many of Everton's more purposeful attacking plays (though nothing much came of them).

Kevin Mirallas - 5

Dangerous in flashes but without creating any really clear-cut opportunities, Mirallas was outshone by Aaron Lennon on the new signing's debut. The Belgian blows so hot and cold (often within the same match) that it's always frustrating to see him substituted, but he didn't offer anything substantial against Liverpool.

Steven Naismith - 6

Busy as always, Naismith put in a lot of running against Liverpool for very little reward. Though his defensive contribution was good, he wasn't helped at all by Everton's complete lack of attacking impetus.

Romelu Lukaku - 5

Lukaku lacked service again, and was given few opportunities to run at Liverpool's defence. But even when he did receive the ball in space, the striker wasn't able to conjure anything of note, as Everton's attack lacked any sort of incisive element.

Aaron Lennon

A promising first appearance for Lennon after his rather dour unveiling on transfer deadline day. He adds pace and width to the side, but perhaps most excitingly, his running allowed Seamus Coleman to break forward more in the closing minutes. If Lennon can combine well with Everton's struggling right back, his loan could prove to be a very fruitful one indeed.

Ross Barkley

There's no doubt that Barkley should have been introduced earlier - he contributed as much in a five-minute cameo than pretty much any of Everton's other attacking players - but the fact that he contributed at all was refreshing in itself. An instant restoration to the starting line up against Chelsea might not be in order, especially with McCarthy back, but this was the first sign of a resurgence in form for the Blues' golden boy.