Rafa's reaction to stalemate

Rafael Benitez admitted Liverpool paid the price for missed opportunities but insisted they were continuing to improve after they were held to a goalless draw against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds produced a dominant second-half showing against the Lancashire outfit but could not convert their chances, leaving the boss frustrated with a result that brings an end to their winning run.

"I'm a little bit frustrated," he told his post-match press conference.  "I felt we could win the game. In the first-half we didn't play very well but it was a difficult match. They were very direct and we were expecting that.

"After that we changed it with Ngog in attack and Nabil (El Zhar). We were more dangerous and had chances to win. They also had two counter attacks which could have seen us lose. But I think the team played much better in the second-half.

"It is a clean sheet and we played better football than the other day, so we are improving, but you have to win these types of games. We had chances, but you need to score from them if you want to win matches."

The Reds almost broke the deadlock midway through the second 45 when David Ngog's close range effort cannoned back off the crossbar, and the boss admitted he was surprised the Frenchman hadn't found the back of the net.

"I was convinced it was a goal," he said "And after that Kuyt had the rebound but it was well blocked.

"We were disappointed but in the last minute we nearly conceded a goal. This is football."

He added: "I was pleased with Ngog and Nabil did well when he came on. Hopefully Torres will be available for the next game and maybe he will be on the bench - if everything is okay over the next few days."

Asked about Steven Gerrard's impressive display on his 500th appearance for the club, Benitez said: "The positive thing today was seeing the team play better and Stevie was involved in the game and doing much better too. It was positive.

"If he can continue improving his match fitness he will play better and he can make the difference."

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