Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt's fifth goal in a Merseyside derby against Everton ensured the 215th meeting of the two clubs finished 2-2.

Kenny Dalglish's first game at Anfield since returning for a second spell as Liverpool manager got off to a good start when Raul Meireles scored his maiden goal since joining the club in the summer.

Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford turned the game on its head shortly after half-time but Kuyt salvaged a point from the penalty spot when goalkeeper Tim Howard fouled Maxi Rodriguez.

Dalglish's decision to play Glen Johnson out of position at left-back in the last two matches had raised a few eyebrows but the England international's right-footedness was pivotal in setting up the opening goal.

Meireles was on target in the 29th minute with a swerving shot inside the near post with Tim Howard unsighted.

But just 42 seconds after the restart Martin Skrtel allowed Distin to head Mikel Arteta's corner past Jose Reina and Johnson could not keep the ball out.

Everton went ahead six minutes later while Martin Kelly was laying pole-axed on the pitch after landing awkwardly after an aerial collision with Victor Anichebe.

The ball found its way to Leon Osman and he jinked his way into the penalty area before slipping a pass inside for Beckford to slot past Pepe Reina, who was booked for his protestations about Kelly not being able to receive treatment.

However, just as Everton looked to have secured a grip on the game, Howard handed their rivals a way back in the 68th minute when he tripped Maxi Rodriguez as they challenged for the breakdown of Meireles' free-kick.

Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot and Kuyt duly dispatched.