Allen: We thought we'd won
Joe Allen insists Liverpool can take a lot of heart from their performance in the derby and felt the Reds were desperately unfortunate not to take all three points after Luis Suarez had a goal controversially disallowed in stoppage time.
With the game heading for a draw after Everton came back from two goals down to level the scoreline at 2-2, Liverpool's No.7 appeared to have clinched all three points in dramatic circumstances with the last kick of the game - but a linesman's flag for an incorrect offside decision saw joy turn to despair.
"It was an exciting encounter and I'm sure that was the same for the fans as well, but it was a shame we didn't get the three points," Allen told Liverpoolfc.com.
"Credit to Everton and the way they fought back, but we feel disappointed we didn't get the three points as we had a goal dubiously disallowed right at the end which would have given us the victory.
"It was mixed emotions for us at the end. It was a great feeling for a split second because we thought we had won the game, but it wasn't meant to be. Hopefully next time we will get the decision."
The Welsh international was making his first appearance in a Merseyside derby and admitted he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Allen said: "It was a tough and physical battle but we expected that and I enjoyed it. Hopefully this is the first of many derbies I'll experience with Liverpool.
"Goodison Park is a tough place to come for anyone, so at least with the point we maintained our unbeaten run and we want to climb up the table as high as possible.
"We are heading in the right direction and this was another positive performance from us."
Allen has now set his sights on an emotional reunion with Swansea City at Anfield in the Capital One Cup fourth-round tie on Wednesday night.
In the third round at West Bromwich Albion, Brendan Rodgers fielded a young team, but Allen is hoping to get the nod to feature against his former club.
He added: "It is going to be a strange fixture for me and I'm looking forward to coming up against some good friends at a club I was at for many years.
"It will be an interesting game and one I'm looking forward to."
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