Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists their zonal marking system was not to blame for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

After Emmanuel Adebayor's goal from a City corner, Martin Skrtel could be seen saying to Pepe Reina that he was marking the space, while the keeper was furiously showing where he should have been.

Benitez said: "When you're using a zonal system, you have to attack the ball and if there's a player near you, you have to challenge.

"It is clear you have to attack the space or the player - it doesn't mean you have to stand like a post.

"The majority of players believe in it but, although this year has been bad, it's still early in the season."