Reds in Blackburn draw

Liverpool had to settle for a point after a frustrating goalless stalemate with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

It was skipper Steven Gerrard's 500th appearance for the Reds but he couldn't find a way past a dogged Rovers side.

Substitute David Ngog came closest for the visitors when he struck the bar in the second half.

Rafa Benitez made two changes to the side which beat Everton 2-0 as Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun were recalled at the expense of Fabio Aurelio and Ngog.

Riera occupied the left flank with Benayoun on the right and Dirk Kuyt pushed up front as the lone striker.

Blackburn also went into the contest on a high following their Carling Cup triumph over Chelsea in midweek but both sides failed to impress during a dour first half.

Gerrard had a shot deflected behind for a corner early on but Liverpool struggled to keep possession and ran out of ideas in the final third.

At the other end the visitors had to defend resolutely amid an aerial bombardment. They were indebted to Kuyt midway through the first half when his crucial defensive header cleared El-Hadji Diouf's dangerous free-kick.

When Chris Samba nodded straight at Pepe Reina on 35 minutes it was the first save of the afternoon by either keeper.

Liverpool at least finished the first half the stronger with Lucas setting Gerrard clear on the left side of the penalty box.

However, the skipper was denied as Samba got across to deflect his shot behind.

The Reds enjoyed a major let-off just two minutes after the break. Steven Nzonzi put Franco Di Santo clear but the striker dallied and allowed Javier Mascherano time to get back and dispossess him.

Riera was replaced by Ngog and the Reds finally started to pose more of a threat.

Paul Robinson had to keep out Gerrard's 25-yarder and the captain had another effort deflected over.

On 57 minutes Liverpool had pleas for a spot-kick waved away after Gerrard tumbled over Nzonzi's challenge in the box following good work from Lucas.

As the second half progressed the game opened up as both teams started to commit more players forward.

The Reds were just inches away from taking the lead with 20 minutes to go. Glen Johnson raced into the box and cut the ball back for Ngog whose shot rattled the bar.

The rebound dropped into the path of Kuyt but his goal-bound shot was forced behind by Samba.

Seven minutes later it was Rovers cursing their luck as Benni McCarthy fired wastefully wide when well placed.

Vince Grella also went close for the hosts, while at the other end Ngog just failed to connect with Gerrard's header back across goal.

Daniel Agger stung Robinson's palms with a long range effort late on but there was no way through.

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