28.08.2003 - Reds still awaiting first win
Liverpool were held to their second successive 0-0 draw last night, leaving Gerard Houllier's men still looking for their first win and also their first goal of the season from open play.
Danny Murphy and John Arne Riise were both dropped from the starting XI, with Stephane Henchoz and Emile Heskey both missing through injury. Smicer, Finnan, Biscan and Baros coming into the side.
Steven Gerrard played the first half in front of the back four, a role usually reserved for Didi Hamann when he is fit, and Liverpool rarely threatened the Spurs goal in the opening 45 minutes, despite playing with no less than 5 players who are occasionally used as strikers.
Spurs were also unable to create a great deal, but Dudek still had to be on top form to keep out the two notable chances the Londoners did manage, firstly from a shot by Rohan Ricketts, and later from a volley by Portuguese striker Helder Postiga.
Vladimir Smicer, Liverpool's best player while he was on the pitch, made sure that Kasey Keller at least had something to do in the first half, but his long range efforts were dealt with quite comfortably by the big American 'keeper.
The Czech was brought off half way through the second period of the game though, with the Anfield crowd booing the decision to take him off, but giving a standing ovation to the player himself. His replacement, Danny Murphy, was unable to contribute quite as much during his share of the action, but Steven Gerrard went close to winning the game late on with a fierce strike from 10 yards out forcing Keller into his best save of the evening.
Again, Liverpool didn't do quite enough to pick up all 3 points, but while positives can certainly be taken from the performance, the fact remains that Liverpool are already 7 points behind Man United and Arsenal, the early league leaders.
The Reds now turn their attentions to Saturday's Merseyside derby, when they will be aiming for a fourth straight win at Goodison Park.
LFC-1 Star Man: Vladimir Smicer.
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