Soccer: “We had a cast-iron penalty” - Houllier

THE STARK reality of Liverpool’s standing in the current football hierarchy was expressed in the bluntest of terms by Steven Gerrard, following this latest episode of frustration fourth place is the best that Gerard Houllier’s side can hope for.

Forget Houllier's bitterness at referee Phil Dowd's refusal to award "a cast-iron penalty" for there is so much talent on paper in this Liverpool team, and assembled for a pretty penny too, that goal-less draws at the Riverside represent a bad day at the office.

As Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea climbed further away up the table Liverpool captain Gerrard was brutally frank in his assessment.