Blackburn frustrated Liverpool at Ewood Park as the two teams fought out a nil-nil draw on Saturday afternoon. The visitors came close to grabbing all three points near the end of the Premier League clash, but unfortunately for the visitors, Ngog’s effort struck the woodwork.

Although this week had seen Fernando Torres return to training alongside his teammates, the was absent for the weekend fixture. Rafa Benitez decided against naming the striker in the squad for the game away to Rovers.

The opening 45 minutes lacked any real scoring opportunities as both defences restricted their opponents’ chances in front of goal. Both teams enjoyed spells of possession, as the control of the game swung from one side to another.

Travelling fans had to wait until five minutes from the break for the Red’s first dangerous attack. Lucas Leiva passed the ball into the path of Steve Gerrard, who was making his 500th appearance for the club. The Liverpool captain’s right-footed shot deflected off Samba before flying inches wide of Robinson's far post.

A defensive looking Blackburn looked happy with the point, and although the Lancashire club enjoyed several free-kicks in good positions, Rovers failed to test Reina in the Red goal in a quiet first-half.

Franco Di Santo should have given the home side the lead straight after the restart. The Italian broke the Liverpool offside trap but with just the goalkeeper to beat, Di Santo took too long allowing Carragher to recover and make a late block.

The Red’s best chance fell to second-half substitute David Ngog. Johnson’s cross from the byline found the Frenchmen six yard out, but the striker screwed his shot against the crossbar. Kuyt tried to convert the follow-up, but his shot was diverted away to safety.


- Match Stats: Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Liverpool

Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Givet, Samba, Nelson, Chimbonda, Diouf (Hoilett, 71), Grella, N’Zonzi, Emerton, McCarthy (Kalinic, 77), Di Santo (Andrews, 84)

Booked: Diouf 55’

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Benayoun (El Zhar, 72), Lucas, Mascherano, Riera (Ngog, 51), Gerrard, Kuyt