Liverpool 0-0 Birmingham

It was yet another lacklustre and disappointing performance by Liverpool, being held at home by a stubborn Birmingham side that have proven to be a bogey team against Liverpool in the Premier League. Although Liverpool kept possession much better when compared to the one all draw against Porto, they lacked the cutting edge in the final third, and were unable to create many chances against a Birmingham side that came looking for a draw. A point from Anfield would already be a massive result for them, and they did get it in the end.

Defenders Ridgewell and Quedrue were playing extremely well at that night, limiting Kuyt and Voronin as well as Pennant and Babel whenever they were on the right. They frustrated the Liverpool attackers, and the strikers and wingers could not find a way past the tight defense. They rarely threatened in the first half except for a few long range efforts by John Arne Riise, both wide of the target.

Liverpool improved slightly in the second half, but a determined Birmingham side prevented them from scoring any goals, thoroughly frustrating all members of the Liverpool team. Voronin intercepted a poor pass by the defense, but failed to capitalize as his shot was palmed away by Taylor, who retrieved it even after the save. Torres and Crouch came on for Babel and Voronin respectively, and looked to find the opening goal and three points. Torres looked bright when he came on, certainly a notch over the rest of the players. He launched himself into a bicycle kick, and his attempt went narrowly over the crossbar. A flick-on played Crouch through, but the striker hesitated and was tackled. Apart from that, Gerrard had a tame effort from a corner kicked off the line.

Crouch missed a header near the end of the match, mistiming his jump such that his headed effort flew harmlessly over the bar. That summed up a poor performance by Liverpool on that night, and they dropped another two valuable points, allowing the rest of the title rivals to gain ground on them.