Liverpool failed to overcome their disastrous league form of late with a scrappy goalless draw against neighbours Everton at Anfield.
The visitors had the better chances to clinch the win with wonder-kid Wayne Rooney coming closest when his second-half blast ricocheted off the crossbar.
For the first time since the creation of the Premiership ten years ago Everton went into the first derby clash of the season ahead of arch rivals Liverpool.
The Goodison Park outfit are clearly enjoying a new-found confidence under boss David Moyes, while Gerard Houllier's men are wallowing in their worst league run for 19 years.
This, of course, means little when it comes down to the world famous Mersyside derbies.
The first half was a typically frantic affair with both teams enjoying enough chances to open the scoring.
John Arne Riise had two opportunities from distance, once after a dazzling run, but the normally fearsome striker of the ball failed to contact right both times.
At the other end of the park, Blues' striker Tomasz Radzinski missed a sitter yards from goal, much to the joy of the packed Kop.
However at this stage Everton were enjoying better possession and ended the half stronger and Chris Kirkland pulled off a fine save to deny the hard working Lee Carsley just minutes from the break.
Emile Heskey and Vladimir Smicer were introduced for Liverpool on 52 minutes, before teenage striking sensation Rooney came off the bench for his first ever derby appearance - at the tender age of 17.
And it wasn't long before the youngster - with the build of a heavyweight boxer - was making an impact.
In the 74th minute his powerful shot was blocked by a desperate last-ditch lunge from Stephane Henchoz and crashed off the crossbar.
Liverpool, with all their firepower up front, looked much less likely to score than Everton.
Although Smicer was constantly running at the Blues' defence, Michael Owen and Milan Baros were simply not on the same wavelength.
There were no goals in the closing minutes as temperatures soared in the chilly December evening as tempers frayed, but then it wouldn't be a derby without a ruck.
Everton boss Moyes will head into the Christmas spell a happy man as his side remain a point ahead of Liverpool, while Houllier will be wishing for an upturn in form over the festive season.