Liverpool handed back the initiative in the title race
as they failed to break down a resilient Stoke side at the
Britannia Stadium.
Both sides hit the woodwork, but the league leaders
struggled to create chances against a Stoke side that looked
to be back to its best.
It was difficult to know what to expect from Liverpool. Friday’s
press conference from Rafa Benitez suggested either a man of
meltdown or a man finally ready to beat Sir Alex Ferguson at his
own game.
The line-up, too, was curious: Dirk Kuyt – who had not scored
since mid-November – led the line as Fernando Torres and Robbie
Keane were left on the bench.