Liverpool-West Ham: Hammers Deny Below Par Reds

Liverpool went into their clash with West Ham last night expecting a win, knowing it would take them three points clear at the top of the Premiership.

The game started in a very relaxed manor with Liverpool, as expected, dominating possession, however, they were unable to find a breakthrough. Albert Riera and Sami Hyypia had efforts cleared off the line by James Collins and Carlton Cole respectively.

The dogged West Ham defense frustrated the home team and their fans as the first half progressed.

The first real excitement of the first half stunned everyone and resulted from a West Ham attack. Former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy rattled the inside of the upright, catching Pepe Reina off guard with a bullet effort from 25 yards.

With Liverpool having several handball appeals against Hammers left-back Herita Ilunga turned down, the Kop were expecting a big improvement in the second half.

The second half brought about no change in events. Liverpool dominated possession again, which brought a great chance for former Hammer Yossi Benayoun. His right-footed volley brought a brilliant save from England hopeful Rob Green after James Collins only managed to turn Stevie Gerrard's cross into Benayoun's path.

Soon after, Robbie Keane was substituted for the tenth time in 15 league appearences. His frustration was clear, however, his replacement David Ngog had no impact on the game. I felt at the time that Kuyt should have been taken off as he was very wasteful with his chances, and Liverpool failed to get any service to Keane.

West Ham looked increasingly threatening as time was running out, with Carlton Cole hitting the side netting from a Bellamy corner. However, Kuyt nearly snatched it late on with a squeezed side-foot shot straight at Rob Green.

Later on Carlton Cole was judged offside when he was clearly two or three yards onside, and West Ham could have got themselves a goal from the corner if it weren't for the incompetance of the linesman.

Even later Liverpool substitute Ryan Babel came very close smashing the ball inches wide from a stranded Rob Green's left-post.

This result made Liverpool fans boo and jeer at the end of the game to show their unhappiness at their sides performance.

Also, this result will make critics doubt their title bid as they should be winning crunch games like this, instead they have drawn their last two home games. With Man United catching quickly, Liverpool and Chelsea need to rediscover some form coming into the busy Christmas period.