The clash of the heavyweights produced a nose-to-nose slugging match - but
neither side could take real advantage of Manchester United's defeat.
Two excellent teams, giving it everything they had, produced a spectacle and a
collision of styles that will long linger in the mind.
Goalless it might have been, but you dare not take your eyes off the action
for a second.
The biggest cheer of the day came after the final whistle, when news of
United's demise at Old Trafford filtered through to Anfield.
"God bless Martin O'Neill", the tannoy announcer cried, and both sets of
fans erupted.
But deep down they will all know that this was a golden opportunity wasted.
The gap at the top between these two and United is now four points, but had
somebody, anybody, managed that one breakthrough, and United would have had a
side breathing down their necks just two points behind.
The onus had to be on Liverpool. They were struck down by the loss of Jamie
Redknapp, Steve McManaman and Jason McAteer at various stages during the
build-up and the match, but however hard they tried, they couldn't break down an
exceptional Blackburn defence.
Colin Hendry and Stephane Henchoz were outstanding, Tim Flowers in goal quite
magnificent.
Liverpool started poorly, but built up to an onslaught at the end that somehow
Roy Hodgson's team survived. But a point was the least their efforts deserved.
Liverpool had Jamie Carragher in midfield to replace Redknapp, while Blackburn
opted for Gary Croft at full-back in place of teenager Damien Duff.
Blackburn started with controlled passing and rock-like defence. And for a
while Liverpool barely got into the game.
David James had to save at Jason Wilcox's feet, while Chris Sutton and Kevin
Gallacher's movement provided targets for Rover's long, accurate balls out of
defence.
It took time for Liverpool to get into it, and it was primarily through
McManaman's roaming and attacking runs from deep that they achieved a measure of
equality.
McManaman set up a great chance for Paul Ince, but the skipper's control let
him down at the critical moment.
Another McManaman pass put Michael Owen clear in the box, the youngster
sidestepped Colin Hendry, but saw his shot blocked by the excellent Henchoz.
Flowers was out smartly to dive at Fowler's feet, and then McManaman again
sent Fowler clear, Flowers again saving superbly.
Throughout this spell the tackles were flying in, no prisoners were being
taken, and referee Paul Durkin had to be really aware of what was going on
around him.
Apart from the occasional blind spot, the man who is likely to be England's
refereeing representative at the World Cup, was up to the job and kept a tough
match flowing.
Blackburn's best effort of the first half was a fine turn and shot from Sutton
that again found Flowers at his best.
McManaman had taken a heavy whack on his left calf in the first period, and
didn't re-appear after the break, Patrik Berger taking his place.
That should have been a handicap for Liverpool, but they upped the tempo and
took the game to their Lancashire neighbours.
Blackburn's organisation, defensive strengths and midfield resilience was put
to the test, but they were more than up to the task.
Liverpool should have scored after 52 minutes. Owen found a few feet of space
on the edge of the box, and turned to power in a shot that Flowers saved at full
stretch.
The ball ran lose, and Oyvind Leonhardsen homed in on an open goal, only to
see Hendry hurl himself across the goal to block the shot on the line.
More misfortune hit Liverpool after 63 minutes when Jason McAteer chased a
pass under pressure from Billy McKinlay and collapsed in pain as his left leg
twisted under him as he fell in front of the Kop.
The Irish defender was eventually carried off with the leg heavily strapped,
Rob Jones coming on as substitute.
Liverpool still maintained their assault, and Leonhardsen saw another
snap-shot pushed onto the bar by Flowers.
Leonhardsen and Owen both saw efforts flash inches wide, and Fowler should have
scored when he motored into the box but planted his shot wide of the far post.
The loss of the lively Gallacher through injury with 12 minutes to go, took
away Blackburn's option for quick fire attacks on the break and the excellent
contest he was having with the pace and anticipation of Dominic Matteo and Phil
Babb.
The gap between the teams was minimal, a draw the fair result, but both sides
will see this as a wasted opportunity.
Teams:
Liverpool: James, McAteer (Jones 63), Babb,
McManaman (Berger 46), Leonhardsen, Fowler, Harkness, Ince, Owen,
Matteo, Carragher.
Subs Not Used: Riedle, Murphy, Nielson.
Blackburn: Flowers, Kenna, Sherwood, Hendry, Ripley,
Gallacher (Duff 80), Sutton, Wilcox, McKinlay, Croft, Henchoz.
Subs Not Used: Pedersen, Bohinen, Valery, Fettis.
Booked: Hendry.
Att: 43,890
Ref: P A Durkin (Portland).
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