Everton boss Sam Allardyce defiant over defensive tactics at Liverpool but admits his team must sharpen attack

• e-mail

Sam Allardyce made no apology for the tactics Everton used to secure a point in the Merseyside derby but admitted they must improve immediately as an attacking force.

Jurgen Klopp was dismayed about Everton’s negative approach during the contest and there has been huge frustration amongst Liverpool supporters over the way Allardyce attempted to throw a blanket over Sunday’s clash at Anfield and pilfered a point when Wayne Rooney converted a late penalty - it was his side’s only shot on target.

But the point helped Everton continue their rebuilding process and they have now only conceded one goal in their last three Premier League matches, meaning they can head to Newcastle more confident than at any point this season.

Everton manager Sam Allardyce spoke at a press conference on Tuesday

Allardyce was speaking ahead of Everton's visit to Newcastle on Wednesday night

A different challenge presents itself at St James' Park and Allardyce wants to see Everton show significantly more in the final third than they did at Anfield. 

'Liverpool had scored 12 goals in the last two games and my responsibilities were to frustrate - I make no apologies for that, said Allardyce at his press conference on Tuesday.

'The best way for us to get something out of the game was to stop them scoring. Liverpool haven’t been scoring one or two, they have scored five or seven. Liverpool play a high press and it is very difficult to play against. 

'The thing at the end was the result. 

'Tactically we were sound. We didn’t create as much as I would have liked. Even Man United came and did that. Rarely do teams who open up against Liverpool get any points.'

Allardyce was keen to praise Rooney for creating the penalty chance with a through ball to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was pushed over inside the area by Dejan Lovren. 

'(There was) one moment we took full advantage of. The quality of Wayne’s ball caused the panic,' said Allardyce.

Liverpool boss Klopp criticised the decision to award the penalty, but Allardyce said he was a huge admirer of his German counterpart.

'It was the biggest game of the season, he is extremely disappointed about drawing a game they should have won,' added the former England manager. 'As a manager I have every respect for him. He is fantastic manager.'

Wayne Rooney rewarded Everton's rearguard at Liverpool with an equalising penalty

Allardyce takes his Everton team to Newcastle on Wednesday night, and will come up against the club who sacked him in 2008. 

Asked about getting the boot by Mike Ashley, Allardyce said he did not hold a grudge.

'It was difficult circumstances,' he said. 'I think for the first time in my entire life I heard the owner say it was a mistake to let me go. 

'It got settled. Life is too short for grudges. If you hold a grudge, the only person it affects is you. My life from 15 to 63 is one fantastic journey. I’m amicable with everyone who is the same with me.' 

Allardyce was also happy to welcome back winger Yannick Bolasie from long-term injury, and claimed his side would improve once they have a full squad to choose from. 

Bolasie has been joined on the treatment table recently by the likes of Leighton Baines, Marten Stekelenburg, and long-term absentees Ross Barkley, Roberto Funes Mori and Seamus Coleman.

Yannick Bolasie (centre) is set to make his comeback from long-term injury

But the former Crystal Palace star, who joined the club in a deal worth up to £30million last summer, has made his long-awaited return for Everton, more than a year after suffering a knee injury that curtailed his first season on Merseyside.

The Congo international came on as a substitute in the Under-23 clash with Leicester on Monday.

'He will be very, very eager to get back,' said Allardyce. 'Everton’s problem is still injuries. We have got a lot of big players missing from the squad. We will improve even more when they come back.'