Liverpool again wasted a chance to take a commanding lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League as brave West Ham produced a minor miracle at Anfield.

It is 45 years since they have won at this stadium, so this first point in nine years at Liverpool was a fine achievement.

And the 0-0 stalemate stretched the Hammers unbeaten run to three games under new boss Gianfranco Zola. Former Liverpool and Celtic star Craig Bellamy came closest to breaking the deadlock with a 30-yard shot that crashed off the bar.

But it was yet another frustrating night for Anfield boss Rafa Benitez who is due to have talks today with co-owner George Gillett over a new contract.

The Spaniard said: "The fans will be disappointed, we are disappointed, but we are at the top of the table. If we keep winning then our rivals will have to win everything too.

"It is a question of confidence. If we score first in this type of game then we will grow and win.

"Some players may be lacking in confidence, but if we keep creating chances we will be okay."

Benitez also shot down renewed speculation linking Newcastle striker Michael Owen with a return to his former club.

Striker Robbie Keane was again substituted in the second half of last night's match.

But Benitez declared: "Robbie when he came off was disappointed.

"Players always want to be out on the pitch for 90 minutes, but we were thinking of different solutions and David Ngog did well.

"We will have Fernando Torres back soon, and I can assure everyone that clearly we are not going for Michael Owen."

lBrazilian superstar Kaka heads Robinho's January transfer wish-list for Manchester City.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has given Luiz Felipe Scolari a massive vote of confidence by insisting he will not be axed if he fails to deliver any silverware this season.