Gerrard strike keeps Liverpool in FA Cup

Jan 26, 2009, 5:02 GMT

London - Steven Gerrard hit a second-half equalizer on Sunday to earn Liverpool a 1-1 draw and a replay against Everton in the FA Cup fourth round.

Joleon Lescott had headed Everton into a 27th-minute lead but Gerrard, taunted throughout by away fans over his court appearance on assault charges on Friday, levelled 12 minutes into the second half.

That at least kept Liverpool in the draw for the next round, but this was a far from impressive performance, only adding to the sense that their good early season form is fizzling out.

The absence of misfiring forward Robbie Keane from the Liverpool squad, in particular, raised suggestions of further turmoil behind the scenes.

For much of the first half, Liverpool were stodgy, all too easily frustrated by their Merseyside rivals - as they had been on Monday when the sides drew 1-1 in the Premier League.

And as on Monday, Everton scored thanks to Tim Cahill's contribution from a corner.

Initially taking up a position beyond the back post, Cahill - who has gained the nickname the Invisible Man for his ability to evade his markers - wandered into the box as a left-wing corner was swung in, confounding Liverpool's zonal marking.

Unchallenged, he got his head to the ball, allowing Lescott to steal in front of Pepe Reina and glance in the opener.

Liverpool were rather more productive in the second half, but only after they levelled.

The goal stemmed from a moment of sumptuous skill from Fernando Torres, who took down a difficult ball, and fired it into Gerrard's path with a backheel volley.

The Liverpool captain ran on and struck a left-footed first-time shot that skimmed under the dive of Tim Howard.

The Everton goalkeeper went some way to making amends two minutes later as he did well to parry a ferocious Gerrard drive after Torres had nodded down Dirk Kuyt's cross.

Torres had a late effort blocked by Phil Jagielka, but once again Liverpool were made to look toothless by David Moyes's side.

In the day's other tie, an uninspired Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Championship side Cardiff City.

Cardiff had the better of the first half, but ran out of steam, in the second half, and were fortunate that Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor missed his kick when presented with a chance on the volley by Robin van Persie.

Both ties will be replayed next week.