Everton Rediscover the Knack of Scoring Crucial Late Goals in Liverpool Draw

Phil Jagielka's injury-time screamer ensured Everton ended the 223rd Merseyside derby on level terms with city rivals, Liverpool.

The centre-back lashed at a bouncing ball to beat Simon Mignolet from all of 25 yards, cancelling out Steven Gerrard's 65th minute free-kick.

His late goal secured a dramatic comeback, something the Toffees had been accustomed to doing in Roberto Martinez's first season.

Back then, Everton were most dangerous and most successful towards the end of a game. They scored 26 per cent (16) of their Premier League goals in the final 10 minutes, winning an impressive 15 points during the closing stages.

In contrast, those numbers were only 13 per cent (seven) of goals and five points won in the previous season under David Moyes.

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This was one of the most refreshing traits of Martinez's arrival. He installed a resilience and ambition into his new side, to continually chase a game and eventually find a result.

The fact his squad had so much success late on showed the Toffees' confidence and faith in their manager's methods.

This season, that identity has been badly missing. Indeed, Jagielka's was only the second goal Everton have scored in the final 10 minutes of a Premier League match—securing a first point won.

The Toffees have been at polar opposites thus far, seeing last season's late potency replaced by some uncharacteristic fallibility. They have already lost four points during the final 10 minutes of a match, three more than in all of last season.

Jagielka's strike signalled a return to the Toffees' previous ways and Martinez also deserves credit for creating that opportunity.

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The Catalan learned from last season's 4-0 drubbing at Anfield, a match in which Everton were simply too adventurous too soon. Having conceded early, they threw everyone forward and were soon 3-0 down and out of the game.

Martinez deployed a more conservative 4-3-3 during this game, condensing midfield and allowing Everton the opportunity to outnumber Liverpool's two central midfielders.

At 1-0 down, he didn't flinch, waiting another 15 minutes before introducing an attacking change. Everton were hardly prolific in their creativity, but this more cautious mentality allowed his side an opportunity to test a nervy defence.

Jagielka's strike handed Martinez the point his adaptability deserved, and signalled a return to what made Everton so successful last season.

Statistics via WhoScored.com.

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