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Liverpool left frustrated by defiant Cottagers

22/11/2008

Liverpool suffered a frustrating afternoon at the hands of Fulham after they drew 0-0 with the Cottagers at Anfield.

Robbie Keane and Fernando Torres went close in either half, while Fulham's best chances fell to Andy Johnson and Jimmy Bullard.

The opening half was an evenly-contested affair but Liverpool enjoyed the better opportunities after the break, pinning the Cottagers back as the attacked the Kop end but the could not find a way past Mark Schwarzer.

Stephen Gerrard missed the match with the same injury that prevented him form lining up for England in midweek and the Reds missed his presence.

Dirk Kuyt sent in a shot early on but Liverpool failed to create a clear-cut chance for another 20 minutes before Keane wasted a chance from eight yards out when he fired straight at Schwarzer.

Fulham were enjoying some good possession and Pepe Reina had to be alert to stop Johnson's shot after Bullard had diverted the ball into his path.

Keane then had another shot saved by Schwarzer before Reina tipped Bullard's goal-bound effort over the bar.

Liverpool improved after the break and managed to keep possession of the ball more. Torres had their first chance of the half, breaking free on the left hand side but his shot from an acute angle was never likely to test Schwarzer.

Albert Riera then set up Kuyt with a pin-point cross only for Fulham's Australian keeper to again foil him with a diving save to tip the ball over the crossbar.

The Dutchman blazed wide before Lucas had a shot deflected and with that disappointment Liverpool's chance to snatch a winner faded.

The draw means Liverpool are still level with Chelsea at the top of the table, while Fulham are now ninth.