Liverpool could not return to the top of the Premier League table on Sunday afternoon as they were held to a 0-0 derby draw away at Everton.

Jurgen Klopp's men enjoyed 58% possession at Goodison Park but were wasteful when they got in front of goal, with Mohamed Salah missing a glorious chance to break the deadlock.

Well aware of how intense Merseyside derbies can be, Klopp selected a fairly conservative, workman-like midfield trio of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.

However, as the game developed, the visitors seemed to be in need of someone to drive forward from midfield or a player capable of making a decisive, defence-splitting pass.

Klopp chose to make all three of his substitutions during the stalemate at Everton, but Liverpool fans were not happy with the players he chose to bring on - and leave on the bench.

Liverpool starting to stutter in title race?

After back-to-back draws with Bayern Munich and Manchester United, Liverpool found the winning formula again on Wednesday with a thumping 5-0 win against Watford.

That said, another draw coupled with Manchester City's 1-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday leaves the Reds in second place, a point behind the champions, with nine games to go.

Klopp's substitutions in Everton 0-0 Liverpool

Klopp decided to switch things up in the 63rd-minute at Everton with a double change as he introduced James Milner and key forward Roberto Firmino.

Then, six minutes from time, the Liverpool boss opted for Adam Lallana to be his final substitute and brought the Englishman on for Sadio Mane.

It was surprising to see the Senegal international, who's scored 15 times this term, taken off at a time when the Reds really needed a goal, but more baffling was what Klopp left on the bench.

Klopp's changes meant that £52.75 million summer signing Naby Keita, centre-forward Daniel Sturridge and his most creative midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri were all unused subs.

Liverpool fans react to Klopp's derby subs

Liverpool supporters were understandably frustrated after dropping two more points in the title race against their bitter rivals, but the players Klopp left on the bench made their mood worse.

Compare that to Everton, who brought on Richarlison and replaced the defensive-minded Morgan Schneiderlin for ex-Barcelona playmaker Andre Gomes.

The majority of Kopites are fuming with the 51-year-old German for his decision-making, with Shaqiri not getting onto the pitch their main source of anger.

Check out some of the best reaction from Twitter below:

The 0-0 result means Liverpool's three remaining fixtures before the international break now take on even more significance as they look to end their 29-year wait for the title.

Burnley travel to Anfield next weekend, then Liverpool face trips to Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg and relegation-threatened Fulham.

Do YOU agree with these Liverpool fans that Klopp should've brought on Keita, and in particular Shaqiri, along with Firmino at Everton? Have YOUR say in the comments box below!