Sunderland too Macho for Reds attack

Liverpool 0 Sunderland 0

Liverpool were hoping to bounce back and regain top spot in the table after their Champions League exit in midweek. Instead there was only frustration, not elation: ‘‘We had 21 attempts on goal and they didn’t have one,’’ said Houllier after the 0-0 draw.

‘‘People say we are boring but the statistics show we are second only to Manchester United in terms of shots on goal.

‘‘I am disappointed for the players because they displayed so much energy. They showed they had overcome that setback in Basle.

‘‘In a game like this where you have so much possession you would win nine times out of 10.

‘‘They rode their luck and defended very well. I am sure Sunderland’s goalkeeper got the man of the match.

‘‘The only thing that was missing today was the goal we deserved for creating so many chances.

‘‘I would be worried if we were not creating the opportunities. You have to remember our strikers are young and the best is yet to come.’’

Macho made two vital saves at crucial times from Danny Murphy and won a salute from manager Howard Wilkinson.

The Austrian started the season as number three keeper but was handed the shirt because of injuries to Thomas Sorensen and Thomas Myhre.

He has risen to the challenge with Sunderland unbeaten in five games, four of them in the Premiership. Even though Mart Poom has arrived from Derby he looks set to retain his place.

Wilkinson said: ‘‘If you want a barometer of our progress it is the keeper. Five weeks ago he was nowhere, he was struggling to catch a beachball.

‘‘I don’t think Poom’s arrival inspired him. He knew what I was trying to do.

‘‘Today as in his last three performances he was magnificent and along with the others earned us some luck.

‘‘It was definitely a point gained. The players did their jobs, mentally they were tough and they showed a great deal of discipline.

LIVERPOOL: Dudek, Babbel, Traore, Hyypia, Carragher (Riise 67), Murphy, Hamann, Diao, Heskey, Smicer (Diouf 67), Owen.

SUNDERLAND: Macho, Bjorklund, Craddock, Babb, McCartney, Proctor (Stewart 85), McCann, Kilbane, Gray, Flo (Kyle 72), Phillips (Thirlwell 66).

Ref: A D’Urso (Essex).