Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

Liverpool suffered a severe blow to their hopes of securing Champions League football as they were frustrated by Mick McCarthy's side in a Barclays Premier League clash at Molineux.

The Reds actually moved above Manchester City on goal difference into fifth spot with a share of the spoils but have played two games more.

In contrast, it was a precious point for Wolves in their battle to stay in the top flight.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy opted for a change of formation with record signing Kevin Doyle the only striker in a 4-5-1 formation.

Liverpool, who had taken 10 points from the previous four games, were quickly into their stride with the fit again Steven Gerrard prominent.

Gerrard's second minute corner was met by the head of Albert Riera at the near post but his effort flashed across the box.

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt, bubbling with confidence after his double against Tottenham, tried his luck from 20 yards out but Jody Craddock was able to make an important block.

Reds keeper Jose Reina was booed every time he touched the ball by Wolves fans who remembered his part in the incident when Stephen Ward was sent off at Anfield on Boxing Day.

Wolves midfielder Matt Jarvis showed good pace before delivering a left wing cross but Emiliano Insua was under no pressure when clearing.

Jarvis needed treatment after falling awkwardly when sending over the centre but was able to resume after treatment.

Rafael Benitez's side produced the slicker football with the home side opting for the more direct approach.

Hahnemann failed to make a full contact when punching clear a Gerrard corner but no-one was on hand to capitalise.

The best chance of the game to date fell to Doyle after 33 minutes in a Wolves counter-attack.

Jamie Carragher was isolated in the right-back role and unable to prevent Jarvis from getting past him and sending in a low cross to the near post.

Doyle made a run across the Reds defence to attack the ball at the near post but poked his shot just wide.

Riera's 30-yard shot took two deflections but Hahnemann was quick to react as Kuyt moved into the danger area.

McCarthy was upset when Ronald Zubar put the ball out of play after Rodriguez went down injured.

Berra did well to cut out a dangerous Riera cross as Liverpool started to up the tempo.

Jarvis was posing the biggest threat for Wolves and another teasing centre picked out the run of Kevin Foley at the far post but his header was straight at Reina.

Berra got in a great challenge to halt the run of Rodriguez into the Wolves box at the expense of a corner just before half-time.

He threatened briefly after the restart when he seized a ball in behind from Lucas only for Berra to be alert to the situation.

Hahnemann had to be alert when backpedalling to palm away a looping first time effort from the edge of the area by Riera.

Ward then almost played the home team into trouble with a mis-timed back pass but Hahnemann raced 20 yards out of his box to clear from Kuyt.

Rodriguez went for glory from 25 yards out but the former Atletico Madrid player was well off target.

Doyle was impressing whenever Wolves ventured forward but he would have been disappointed not to hit the target after he found some space outside the box.

Doyle got up well to connect with a Zubar cross although Riera was not extended by his header.

Kuyt curled a 20-yard shot past the post after Gerrard enjoyed some rare freedom and the game now was more of an entertaining spectacle.

Benitez made his first substitution after 67 minutes with David Ngog replacing Riera and Kuyt moving into a wider role.

The impressive Doyle drilled a left-footed shot past the post after getting past Skrtel.

Skrtel was booked after 73 minutes for a lunge at Ward.

McCarthy replaced Milijas with David Jones a minute later.

Liverpool tried to force a late winner but the home side held firm.

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