Wolves claim valuable draw to Liverpool

Liverpool's quest for a top-four finish hit a stumbling block as Wolves claimed a precious point in their survival bid in a scrappy goalless draw at Molineux

The Reds were looking to close in on a UEFA Champions League position with maximum points against a side who had lost their last three matches and failed to score in as many games.

With last Wednesday's 2-0 win over fourth-placed Spurs under their belts, Liverpool were aiming to show signs their stuttering season had turned a corner.

But previous such victories so far this campaign have only seen them go round in circles of poor form, lack of confidence and the problem of failing to perform without key players.

Rafa Benitez, whose agent has played down reports linking the Spaniard with a move to Juventus, named an attacking line-up with talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard back in the line-up after overcoming a hamstring injury while recent signing Maxi Rodriguez made his full debut on a cold night in the West Midlands.

Even though inspirational captain Steven Gerrard was back for the Reds, they again flattered to deceive with Wolves keeper Marcus Hahnemann hardly called into any serious action.

Liverpool's problems at Molineux were as a result of a lack of invention as Gerrard and left-winger Riera lacked match sharpness, along with right winger Maxi Rodriguez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:
"If you analyse the game, it was a fair result. In the first half, we were in control, although we didn't create chances. The final pass in the final third was the difference.

"In the second half, they pushed harder. We still had some good counter-attacks but again the final pass was the difference. It was a fair result."

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy on striker striker Kevin Doyle:
"If you see a better performance from a centre-forward than Doyle showed, I would like to see it. If he had just managed a goal, it would have been one of the best all-round performances.

"He is physically strong enough to play that role. We changed the system and I don't think our keeper had a save to make. I don't think we were troubled.

"It was a really solid performance and it's great to get off 19 points because we've been there for too long."