Liverpool 0 West Ham 0

West Ham have steadied the ship somewhat after an alarming run of losses in October, and had collected two consecutive clean sheets coming into Monday's match-up. But few expected them to stand firm against a side in the thick of the Premier League title race, even without the threat of talismanic striker Fernando Torres.

The draw took Liverpool top of the table by a point, but the team will look back with regret at a first half in which they failed to capitalise on a host of chances.

Referee Peter Walton turned down two penalty appeals for the Reds in the first 12 minutes, as both Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt blasted short range balls at Herita Ilunga. And Robert Green had defender James Collins to thank on 14 minutes, as the defender cleared off the line from Albert Riera following a weak punch from his keeper.

Liverpool's Sami Hyypia planted a header just over the bar on 18 minutes, and was denied by Carlton Cole on the line seven minutes later.

West Ham seemed to be content to weather the storm in the early stages, but exploded into action with the game's best effort on 38 minutes. Pacey frontman Craig Bellamy received the ball before cutting in and smashing a 20-yard shot beyond Pepe Reina. But the Welshman's powerful drive clattered off the inside of the left post and flew clear, to the dismay of the travelling fans.

Strike partner Carlton Cole misjudged his run early in the second half, wandering offside when a break-away seemed possible. But Liverpool were still the bigger threat, with both Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso both passing up chances. And it was former Hammer Yossi Benayoun who delivered the best moment of the half, forcing Robert Green to superbly tip his venomous volley over the bar.

Carlton Cole headed Bellamy's cross just wide a few minutes later, while a Steven Gerrard air-shot brought howls of derision from the away support. As full time inched closer, Luis Boa Morte was presented with a decent chance after a pass by Scott Parker, but hit a tame shot wide.

The draw means West Ham's streak without a win at Anfield will tick on beyond 45 years. But the precious point takes them to 13th, three points clear of the drop zone.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Dossena, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Riera (Babel 78), Kuyt, Keane (Ngog 66).

Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Agger, Mascherano, Leiva Lucas, Insua.

Booked: Alonso.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert (Boa Morte 86), Parker, Mullins, Behrami, Bellamy, Cole.

Subs Not Used: Noble, Lastuvka, Tristan, Davenport, Collison, Di Michele.

Booked: Mullins.

Att: 41,169