Benitez left frustrated

Reds boss rues missed chances

Last updated: 6th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Benitez left frustrated

Benitez: Disappointed

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was left frustrated after his side were held to a goalless draw by Blackburn at Ewood Park.

The Reds dropped further behind the leading pack after seeing two points go begging as a result of the stalemate.

David Ngog had the best chance of a disappointing encounter midway through the second half when he saw his shot from Glen Johnson's cross come back off the underside of the crossbar.

Benitez was disappointed with the first half showing, but more happy with the second half display as Liverpool created more goalscoring opportunities, but to no avail in the end.

Frustrated

"I'm a little bit frustrated," said Benitez "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."

Benitez admitted he was surprised to see Ngog's close range effort come back off the crossbar, but he was impressed by the impact of Ngog and his fellow substitute Nabil El Zhar.

Convinced
"I was convinced it was a goal and after that Kuyt had the rebound but it was well blocked," added Benitez.

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

"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."