“Blackburn and Liverpool fought out a gruelling 0-0 stalemate at Ewood Park with Liverpool substitute David Ngog coming closest to a goal with a shot that rattled the bar. The first half was a shocking, grim affair with neither side producing anything worthy of note. After the break Liverpool were arguably the better side, but even a third successive clean sheet will not.” (ESPN)

Return of Sam Allardyce helps Blackburn keep Liverpool at bay
“The return of Big Sam after heart surgery to oversee a Blackburn team whose previous outing was the Carling Cup penalty shoot-out defeat of Chelsea, produced a performance that adhered to Allardyce’s managerial stereotype. Unfortunately for Liverpool, they were also dour, functional and lacking in zip, and, by the close of the game, Rovers were worrying the visitors. A draw is a fine result for Allardyce’s bunch, but frustrating for any follower of Liverpool, who had woken up 13 points behind Chelsea and are now two worse off than Tottenham, who occupy the final Champions League spot.” (Guardian)

Blackburn Rovers 0 Liverpool 0: match report
“When Steven Gerrard, in the coming years, decides that his body and spirit can no longer carry the burden of expectation bestowed upon him by his adoring public, hangs up his boots for good and looks back on his career, the occasion of his 500th game for Liverpool is unlikely to be a highlight. The Liverpool captain will fear, though, that it may provide an epitaph: Almost, but not quite.” (Telegraph)

Rafael Benitez frustrated as another point dropped
“SAM ALLARDYCE was back at Ewood Park after his heart surgery but confined to the directors’ box, so we weren’t even able to enjoy the sideshow of him attempting to monster Rafa Benitez as the stadium witnessed its second goalless draw in the Premier League in seven days. As Blackburn inflicted another blow to the Spaniard’s efforts to rebuild Liverpool’s league campaign, Allardyce chewed gum violently and was on the edge of his seat for the last 10 minutes as the home side managed to hang on, thanks largely to a point-blank miss from David Ngog, who hit the crossbar halfway through the second half after being set up by a brilliant run from Glen Johnson.” (TimesOnline)