EVERTON failed to end their eight year wait for a derby win on Saturday, despite late chances for Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Liverpool’s line-up was depleted due to their focus on tomorrow’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Manchester City and a number of injury problems which have arrived at the wrong time of the season.

“We were not here to play a wild derby,” said Klopp.

“It was a good performance, not brilliant but probably the most mature since I came here. 

“We played football, didn’t get involved in any fights and to deliver like this is a big compliment for my team.”

A much changed Liverpool side saw first starts of the season for Nathaniel Clyne and Danny Ings. 20-year-old Dominic Solanke started up front, with centre back Ragnar Klavan operating at left back.

Solanke had an early chance but his shot from close range was saved well by Jordan Pickford.

Yannick Bolasie looked to have curled one inside the far post for Everton at the other end, but Loris Karius made an excellent fingertip save.

Everton manager Sam Allardyce made a couple of changes in the second half which improved his team and they almost won the game in the latter stages.

Wayne Rooney was one of the players withdrawn by the manager and he made his feelings known as he took his place on the bench.

“He’s an Evertonian through and through and he’s been brought off in a derby game. I’d expect a reaction because that’s how much he cares,” said Allardyce. 

“That’s fine by me. I wouldn’t expect him to smile and say: ‘Alright gaffer, well done’.”

Everton should have won the game in the last five minutes through substitute Calvert-Lewin, and then Tosun, but both players missed the target.

“The three substitutions, no matter how disappointed anyone is when they are substituted, made a big impact and almost helped us win the game. Nobody is too big to be hooked,” added Allardyce.

“Because of the way we finished the game, we are sitting in the dressing room disappointed.”

Liverpool escaped with a point and, though Alberto Moreno picked up an injury in the warm-up, the derby didn’t lead to any further injuries. 

Klopp will now reassess his squad’s fitness ahead of tomorrow’s quarter-final second-leg, where they hope to progress to the semi-finals.