Wolverhampton 0-0 Liverpool

Liverpool's inconsistency this season again surfaced as they were held to a draw by a valiant Wolves at Molineux.

The Reds lacked invention as an early Albert Riera header across goal was a rare chance for them.

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle had a poked goalbound shot deflected wide by defender Emiliano Insua as they created the more clearcut openings.

The Reds applied some late pressure but a resolute Wolves deservedly held on for a point.

Liverpool had beaten Tottenham last time out and they were aiming to show signs their stuttering season had turned a corner after that impressive win.

Previous such victories so far this campaign have only seen them go round in circles of poor form, lack of confidence and the problem of failing to perform without key players.

But, even though inspirational captain Steven Gerrard was back for the Reds, they flattered to deceive as Wolves keeper Marcus Hahnemann was hardly called into any serious action.

Riera flashed a header across the Wolves goal as he could not to get enough purchase on his effort in order to send it goalwards, although the urgency with which Liverpool started the game quickly evaporated.

Instead, the home side quickly got into their stride after a sluggish start and, as they comfortably held the Reds at arm's length, they almost took the lead.

A counter-attack saw left winger Matt Jarvis outpace Jamie Carragher and get in a low cross to the near post and, even though Doyle got to it first, his effort was deflected wide off Insua.

The threatening Jarvis was his side's best attacking outlet and he drifted a cross the the far post where Kevin Foley sent a header straight at keeper Pepe Reina as he was defeated by the angle.

Wolves have only scored 17 goals in 21 league games this season - the lowest in the Premier League for the present campaign - while Liverpool have struggled for away goals with 17 in as many games away from home in all competitions.

Liverpool's problems at Molineux were as a result of a lack of invention as Gerrard and left-winger Riera lacked match sharpness, along with right winger Maxi Rodriguez, who was making his full Reds debut.

Riera did again go close when his mistimed a volley almost looped under the crossbar before the alert keeper Marcus Hahnemann saved.

The work-rate and 4-5-1 formation of Wolves also had plenty to do with them keeping Liverpool at bay, with the tough midfield tackling of Karl Henry and harrying of lone frontman Kevin Doyle a feature of the home side's play.

And, as the game progressed, Wolves grew in confidence and Doyle sent a well-struck shot over.

Liverpool's attacking midfielder Alberto Aquilani had to watch from the touchline as the visitors continued to be repelled by Wolves and had to settle for a draw.

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