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| NEWS STORY |
RAFA: IT'S A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Jimmy Rice at Anfield
23 November 2008
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Rafa Benitez admitted his side missed a golden opportunity to go clear of Chelsea at the top of the league after a frustrating goalless draw at home to Fulham.
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Click here to relive the best of the action, including post-match comment from Roy Evans and Ronnie Moran››
The Reds dominated at Anfield but failed to carve out enough clear-cut chances - and those they did went begging.
The one consolation was that Chelsea also drew 0-0 at home to Newcastle, meaning Liverpool remain joint top.
But Benitez knows it could have been much better.
He said: "It was a bad day. We weren't playing well, we didn't have enough energy and we did not pass well.
"But we had three good opportunities even though we played badly.
"We started the second half really well. We had more intensity and more determination.
"There is a bit of frustration. We are disappointed because when we got to the dressing room we were told that Chelsea drew and Arsenal lost.
"Clearly it is an opportunity lost - but it's also an opportunity lost for Chelsea."
Benitez selected Lucas Leiva in midfield, while Xabi Alonso, who played 90 minutes for Spain in midweek, was named on the bench.
The boss said: "We tried to use two or three players with fresh legs but you could see three or four players didn't have the energy. Lucas had fresh legs but Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera played 90 minutes in midweek and had to fly around."
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson added: "It's a point against a potential champion of this country so we've got to be happy with our performance.
"They've won almost all of their recent games and we knew they were going to throw the kitchen sink at us. You are never comfortable against Liverpool.
"A 0-0 at Liverpool is a very good result. My goalkeeper made two very good saves."
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