Kenny is still up for the fight

LONDON: Kenny Dalglish showed he has lost none of his passion as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw in the Mersey derby.

Kop King Kenny, back in charge at Anfield for the first time since 1991, roared at ref Phil Dowd over both Everton goals.

Liverpool took the lead against their neighbours with a fine strike from Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles.

But in the space of six minutes after half time, Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford gave Everton the lead before Dirk Kuyt’s penalty earned a point.

Dalglish said: “Their first goal should not have been a corner, even if I had got lenses in I could have seen that!

“For the second one, Martin Kelly got battered and we got turned on the edge of the box when we were about to clear it.

“Maybe on another day you’d get them given in your favour. But the thing we can do something about is the way we play.

“And the way we committed ourselves was a great credit to the players – and the supporters responded to that.

“We were a wee bit unfortunate to come in at half-time only 1-0 up.

“They got two quick goals but we showed a real desire to get back into the game.

“Overall I’m disappointed because we had the most shots, efforts and clear-cut chances and you could say we deserved more.”

In contrast with Dalglish’s upbeat mood, Everton boss David Moyes groaned: “I’m disappointed we didn’t take all three points.

“But I am delighted we went in at half-time only 1-0 down. Liverpool had been the better team. We had some youngsters playing in their first derby and they looked as if they were a bit overawed by the game – they didn’t really recognise what was required.

“But they soon found out, didn’t they? And I tell you what – they didn’t half respond in the second half.”