Liverpool started the night one point off fourth place but a scoreless draw at Molineux, coupled with Spurs’ 2-0 win at home Fulham now leave the Reds trailing a top four finish by three points. Rafa Benitez was still without Torres and Benayoun for the midweek clash away to Wolves, but there was some good news for Liverpool as captain Steven Gerrard returned after a hamstring injury. There was also a first Premier League start for latest recruit Maxi Rodriguez as the Merseysiders looked to build on their win at home to Tottenham.

As was to be expected, the visitors enjoyed the lionshare of possession but it was to be a frustrating evening for the Reds as too many moves broke down in the final third of the pitch. Liverpool’s best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to Albert Riera, but his header flew the wrong side of the post.

Wolves offered very little in attack, failing to threaten Reina in the Red goal. Kevin Doyle had a shot deflected inches wide of the post in Wanderers only chance of note.

Again Albert Riera was Liverpool’s danger man following the break, but the winger was denied by Marcus Hahnemann who managed to hold onto the Spaniard’s volley.

The home side gradually grew in confidence but Doyle wasted Wanderers’ best chance shooting over when in a good position.

Gerrard and Ngog almost muscled their way past the Wolves defence late on, but on both occasions Craddock was in the right place to clear the danger.


- Match Stats: Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

Wolves: Hahnemann, Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Foley, Henry, Mancienne, Jarvis (Guedioura, 88) Milijas (Jones, 73), Doyle

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Maxi, Mascherano, Lucas, Riera (Ngog, 66), Gerrard, Kuyt

Booked: Skrtel