Liverpool held by Fulham

Liverpool saw their chances of a top-four Premier League finish diminish further after a drab 0-0 draw with Fulham at Anfield.

Rafael Benitez's side had plenty of possession but could not break down a stubborn Whites team.

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was the busier of the two custodians but only Javier Mascherano's shot really tested him in the first half.

Liverpool had the best of the first-half chances. Steven Gerrard released David N'Gog with a glorious 60-yard cross-field ball but the young French striker could only direct his volley from 15 yards wide of the far post.

Moments later Maxi Rodriguez got behind the Fulham back line but shot straight at Schwarzer's legs.

With 15 minutes left in the half Schwarzer produced the save of the game. N'Gog fed Alberto Aquilani on the right who then set up the Argentine. Mascherano took a touch before unleashing a terrific half-volley which the Australian did really well to palm away at full stretch.

The second half was more of the same, Liverpool having the majority of the play but rarely threatening, although Ryan Babel did manage to force a good save from Schwarzer at his near post.

With 14 minutes left, defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos's missed a gilt-edged chance when, unmarked from four yards, he headed over the crossbar.

That was Liverpool’s last genuine opportunity and Fulham could have nicked all three points in stoppage time when Damien Duff's right-footed effort went straight at Pepe Reina.

The result leaves Liverpool languishing in sixth with a real chance of falling out of the European places altogether. Fulham's good season continues with another positive away result, although they stay in the bottom half of the table.