Liverpool's title challenge received a massive blow on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City in a hard fought encounter at Anfield.

The draw leaves Pool seven points adrift of leader Manchester United and surely sounds the death knell for their title hopes although manager Rafa Benitez insisted they will fight to the finish. In the current game at Anfield, Liverpool showed why they rely so much on Steven Gerrard. The Reds appeared rudderless without the midfield maestro even though Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera all returned after missing the last game.

David Ngog, Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger missed out as Benitez fielded his best side in the hope of getting an outright win. In a lackluster first half, Dirk Kuyt, Riera and Torres all had good chances, but lacked the finishing touch. Opposition keeper Shay Given had hardly anything to do despite the fact that Liverpool seemed camped in the Man City half.

Stephen Ireland had a chance on 30 minutes for the visitors when Robinho sent in a juicy pass only for Jose Reina to save the first shot and for Ireland to shoot the rebound into the netting. After the break, City piled on the pressure and former Red Craig Bellamy shot home in the 49th minute after being fed through by Robinho and Vincent Kompany.

However Liverpool pressed forward and were rewarded for their efforts when Kuyt equalized in the 78th minute after Torres missed Benayoun's cross. Liverpool searched in vain for a decisive second goal, but had to be satisfied with a draw, which leaves them high and dry as far as the title race is concerned.