Liverpool held to goalless draw
Liverpool badly missed the cutting edge of injured Spanish striker Fernando Torres as struggling Wolverhampton held them to a goalless draw at Molineux on Tuesday.
Rafa Benitez’s team created little in a dreary encounter and had to settle for a point, marooning them in fifth place and a mammoth 12 points adrift of leaders Manchester United.
At least Benitez had inspirational midfield star Steven Gerrard available again after a hamstring injury but the England player could make little difference.
Benitez gave a starting chance to new signing Maxi Rodriguez but the former Atletico Madrid player also struggled to make any kind of impact.
Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann was called into serious action only once in the 50th minute when a shot from Albert Reira threatened to creep under the bar.
Benitez, who has denied a link with Juventus, was happy with his team’s fifth successive unbeaten Premier League match and with Gerrard’s contribution.
Benitez said: “It was a tough game, as we knew it would be because Wolves are desperate for points. In the first half I felt we were in control and had two or three good chances.
“In the second half Wolves attacked us and were more aggressive. In the end I think we were let down by our final pass.
“Playing Gerrard from the start was not a risk as far as I was concerned.
I think it was clear that he is still some way short of full match fitness but he is not far off.“Our good run in the league is continuing and I think there were many positives to be taken from the result.
For a start it was another clean sheet and something for us to build on.”
Kevin Foley had Wolves’ best chance in the first half but his header from Matt Jarvis’s cross was straight at Pepe Reina when a goal looked probable.
Republic of Ireland international striker Kevin Doyle also went close on two occasions as the action faded and became swamped by midfield action and no end product.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy sent on new loan signing Adlene Guedioura as a late substitute for his debut as his team held on more comfortably than they could have anticipated.
SANTOS president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro made the claim on Tuesday about bringing their former player back to the club.
Ribeiro believes a deal will be done on Thursday, although fellow Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo have also joined the chase for the former Real Madrid man.
The Santos president told Arena Sport “I would say that the negotiations have now advanced three percentage points from the 95 per cent.
“I hope it will increase one per cent every 24 hours.
“There are a few financial and contractual details still to sort out. But we are finalising them and I think it will be this Thursday.”
But City boss Roberto Mancini has again reiterated his praise for the £32.5million British record signing - and left the door firmly open for a return.
The former Inter Milan boss drew comparisons with another Brazilian striker he managed - Adriano.
He said “I remember another situation with a top player who didn’t play for their club.
“He went somewhere else for six months and played then came back and did well again.
“It is important for any player to be happy. If it is not possible, it is normal that you can change clubs for six months.
“But Robinho is a good player who has played well in every game.”