Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was satisfied to come away from Stoke City with a 0-0 draw last night.

Steven Gerrard twice came close to sealing victory for Liverpool in the last five minutes at Stoke but both efforts from the visiting captain hit the woodwork.

Benitez admitted Stoke had given his team problems.

He said: "We started the game really well and in the first 20-25 minutes we had a lot of possession.

"After that we gave them belief and hope with free-kicks and corners. The second half was 50-50.

"These kinds of games are difficult against a team that is working hard and getting players behind the ball.

"It is not easy to find space and create too many opportunities. But it is one more point, we are still at the top of the table and in a fantastic position."