Burley drives Derby to Anfield draw

Liverpool lacked urgency, industry and an edge without Gerrard even if the attendant Sven Goran Eriksson would have been pleased to see the young protege granted a rest. The majority of Anfield's paying guests probably weren't quite so relieved.

Craig Burley, Darryl Powell and Seth Johnson powered their way through the home midfield without much trouble or resistance in the opening period and forged a goal after only 10 minutes.

A probing run from Burley fed Johnson with a chance to cross, but his pass deflected for a corner. From the kick, Chris Riggott flicked on and Deon Burton guided the ball into the net from his knee.

Recent victories have raised the confidence of Liverpool fans to a high not known since the heady days of the 80s, with most believing that this team is on the verge of achieving similar glory. Going a goal down to Derby was not in the script.

It could have been worse when Burley supplied Burton and then Horacio Carbonari, but neither could match the quality of his cross with a finishing header.

During the same period, Heskey seemed determined to prove his manager's theory about internationals right with a series of mis-placed passes and abortive goal attempts.

By contrast, Michael Owen sustained his claim to retain his England starting place with a performance as sharp and direct as the March winds. Seven minutes after the re-start, Liverpool equalised.

Owen caused minor panic with his speedy run but laid the ball off to Jari Litmanen instead of going for goal. The Finn provided an unlikely assist in the context of the next match to be played at Anfield, but the contribution was invaluable for Liverpool.

His return pass led to a first-time shot from Owen which was well blocked by Andy Oakes. But Owen's instinct carried him towards the keeper and when the ball spilled out to him he poked home his 15th of the season.

Houllier realised the importance of gaining all three points and called on Gerrard - despite promising to rest him with England in mind unless there was an emergency. His presence made all the difference even if he couldn't force or find a winner.

Gerrard ran riot and the inter-change of passes with Owen and Hamann signalled the beginning of an onslaught, but Derby did not disintegrate under pressure. With resistance this strong, their Premiership status seems almost certain.

Since the arrival of Colin Todd they have secured 30 points from 19 games and their current total of 35 may even be enough to see them visiting Anfield again on League business next season.

They were fortunate to stay on level terms when Owen made a fool of two defenders with 15 minutes left. A superb feint and dipped shoulder threw his markers and he flew to the six yard line only to pull his shot wide of the far post.

It may have been a miss but the move was vintage Owen. Houllier could not blame this England striker for a lack of focus even if some of his other players were more obviously distracted.

With Manchester United the next domestic visitors to Anfield, Liverpool's hopes of making progress towards a different European competition will rely on more than just Owen. So too will England.