Miserable Liverpool held by West Ham
Monday, 01 Dec 2008 23:03
Benitez's side were frustrated by a stubborn West Ham
Liverpool missed a glorious opportunity to go three points clear at the top of the Premier League table as they were held to a goalless draw by West Ham at Anfield.
Having drawn at home with Fulham by the same scoreline last weekend, it was another missed opportunity for Rafa Benitez's side which may prove costly as the season progresses.
Arsenal's win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday had Liverpool the chance to put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack, but they looked uninspired all evening against a resolute West Ham side, who are showing signs of improvement under Gianfranco Zola.
West Ham had goalkeeper Robert Green to thank for their point as he made a string of crucial saves to keep Liverpool at bay.
It wasn't all one-way traffic, however, and Craig Bellamy, returning to his former club, could have won the game for the visitors but his long-range shortly before half-time came back off the inside of the post with Pepe Reina beaten.
Earlier Sami Hyypia had gone close with two headers from set-pieces, while Albert Riera saw a right-footed shot hacked clear by Hayden Mullins.
Diry Kuyt then got on the end of a Xabi Alonso pass but Green was equal to it, parrying the Dutchman's header before gathering at the second attempt.
Green made an important save from Yossi Benayoun, another playing against his former club, at the start of the second-half.
Kuyt again found Green in his way when he shot from close-range late on, before substitute Ryan Babel saw his 25-yard effort go just over the top.
In the absence of the injured Fernando Torres the home side lacked ideas in attack, with Robbie Keane anonymous and Steven Gerrard wasteful in possession.
The draw does give Liverpool a one-point lead at the top of the table but that is scant consolation for their supporters, who booed the team off at the final whistle.