The Hindu : Sport / Football : Liverpool draws with Everton

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 04, 2007
ePaper

Sport

Sport - Football

Liverpool draws with Everton

LONDON: Liverpool drew 0-0 with visiting Everton on Saturday, missing the chance to put more pressure on English Premier League leader Manchester United.

Liverpool had most of the chances in its 205th match against its city-rival, but the draw means it is four points behind second-place Chelsea and 10 behind United, which is at Tottenham on Sunday.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard blocked with his feet to stop a seventh-minute shot from Peter Crouch and another Liverpool striker, Craig Bellamy, had a goal ruled out for offside soon after.

Howard saved from Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso put a dipping shot just over the bar.

Tony Hibbert had Everton's best first-half effort, but his shot was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina.

Alonso had a long-range attempt early in the second half, but it went straight to Howard.

Reina saved from striker Andrew Johnson, who was playing for the first time in two weeks after recovering from an ankle injury, but it was Liverpool doing most of the attacking in an attempt to avenge a 3-0 loss at Everton in September.

Long ranger

Captain Steven Gerrard went close with a 20-yard (metre) freekick and Kuyt and Crouch also had efforts.

"When you play against eight players behind the ball, narrow and deep, you cannot create many clear chances," Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said. "You just keep trying."

Liverpool had 50 points, five more than fourth-place Arsenal, which has played two games fewer. Everton has 36. — AP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport