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Liverpool lost ground in their pursuit of the fourth Champions League place this afternoon after being held to a goalless draw at home to Fulham. Rafael Benítez’s team dominated from start to finish against opponents who parked the proverbial bus at Anfield, but the thought that this could be a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final is chilling.

Progress to the semi-finals on Thursday night took a toll on both clubs with Fernando Torres, described as exhausted and troubled by a slight knee injury by Benítez after the Benfica victory, the most notable absentee. The omission of a striker with two goals on each of his last four appearances at Anfield inevitably lessened the menace and quality of Liverpool’s attack, but not the side’s commitment to it, and the first half flowed exclusively in the direction of Mark Schwarzer’s goal.

Fulham did not create a single opening before the interval as their supremely well-drilled banks of four in midfield and defence invited Liverpool to go forward. A risky policy no doubt, particularly with Steven Gerrard appearing left, right and centre in his free role and Alberto Aquilani anxious to impress on only his ninth start for the club, but also an indication of Fulham’s justifiable self-confidence.

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool monopolised opportunity. Ryan Babel fluffed his lines from close range as early as the third minute while David Ngog, Torres’s willing replacement, and Aquilani, with an over-head kick, also threatened. Schwarzer made a key save from Maxi Rodriguez when the Argentinian ghosted unmarked into the Fulham area and another impressive stop from Javier Mascherano’s powerful drive from 25 yards.

Irritation at the stalemate for Liverpool, however, was secondary to their incredulity when Jonathan Greening failed to collect a second yellow card for a blatant body-check on Glen Johnson. The Fulham midfielder had been harshly booked for a foul on the same player when he committed a clearer offence in front of the assistant referee. Andre Marriner, the match official, opted only for a word.

The pattern of play did not alter in the second half. Aquilani and Babel forced fine reaction saves from the Fulham goalkeeper, Sotirios Kyrgiakos squandered a free header and the visitors’ central midfield of Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu continued to lead a stubborn resistance. Liverpool’s dominance, however, gradually petered out. Their Champions League prospects may well have followed suit.

Premier LeagueLiverpoolFulhamAndy Hunterguardian.co.uk