Reds fail Hammers test

1st December 2008

Liverpool again wasted a chance to take a commanding lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League as brave West Ham forced a goalless draw at Anfield.

It is 45 years since they have won at this stadium, so this first point in nine years at Liverpool was a fine achievement.

West Ham have never been known for their defensive reliability at Liverpool, but they were magnificent as they stretched an unbeaten run to three games.

At the back goalkeeper Robert Green, England defender Matthew Upson and Welshman James Collins stood defiant.

And another Welshman, former Liverpool man Craig Bellamy, came close to breaking the deadlock with a 30-yard shot which crashed against a post.

Liverpool dominated, but West Ham repelled the waves of attacks as they grabbed a crucial point in their own battle for survival.