Reds frustrated by battling Wolves

Mick McCarthy
12 April 2012

Liverpool suffered a severe blow to their hopes of securing Champions League football as they were frustrated by Wolves in a goalless draw at Molineux.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez, whose agent has played down reports linking the Spaniard with a move to Juventus, saw his side dominate the opening 45 minutes in terms of possession.

But, in the absence of the injured Fernando Torres, they lacked a decisive cutting edge despite the return after a hamstring injury of skipper Steven Gerrard who was well policed by Michael Mancienne.

Wolves' record signing Kevin Doyle was a constant menace with his pace and power unsettling the Reds rearguard despite often being outnumbered.

Liverpool were quickly into their stride with Dirk Kuyt, bubbling with confidence after his double against Tottenham, trying his luck from 20 yards but Jody Craddock was able to make an important block.

Benitez's side enjoyed the lion's share of possession but Wolves coped comfortably and the best chance of the opening half fell to Doyle after 33 minutes on a counter-attack.

Doyle made a run across the Reds defence to attack Matt Jarvis' cross at the near post but poked his shot wide.

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

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

Doyle then drilled a left-footed shot past the post after getting past Martin Skrtel but neither goal was destined to be breached as the game petered out into stalemate.

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