Anfield Red

Liverpool drew 0-0 with Boro at the Riverside, despite Steven Gerrard running the game and having alot of chances. On the rare occasion that Boro attacked, they never looked like scoring,and despite going down to 10 men liverpool could not break the deadlock.

Liverpool’s best first-half chance came when Fernando Morientes nodded the ball down for Gerrard after 24 minutes, but the midfielder volleyed well over Schwarzer’s goal.

The home side came close in the closing stages as Reina tipped over a shot from Ehiogu before seeing George Boateng’s header from the resulting corner go over the bar.

Gerrard began the second half with real purpose, sending one volley just wide – although Schwarzer had it covered – then unleashing a drive which was well-stopped by the Boro stopper.

But the game opened up and was a better spectacle after the interval.

Gerrard also volleyed wide as the visitors began to tighten their grip on the match, and Sissoko shot just past the post after a good move.

Cisse just failed to connect after Sami Hyppia headed a free-kick back across goal as the Reds continued to press.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said:
“I am a little bit frustrated. I think we played the last 15 minutes in their half. We controlled the game.

“We showed we could create chances and Steven Gerrard had four clear opportunities. It’s a pity. We controlled the game in the first half.

“Steven Gerrard could have had three or four goals. You know he has quality and pace and can score.”

Liverpool now face sunderland on saturday at Anfield for the first home game of the season.