Skrtel 50          Adebayor 69

                                                                                  Benayoun 77   Ireland 76

Liverpool dropped two more precious Premier League points, as they were almost inevitably held by draw-specialists Manchester City at Anfield, City’s sixth consecutive share of the spoils.

The result did little to enhance either side’s EPL title prospects after a game which did even less to suggest that they will significantly challenge the top three.

After a dismal first-half, Liverpool took the lead shortly after half-time when Steven Gerrard’s inswinging free-kick provided the game’s first bit of quality.

But they lacked the ambition to press home their advantage and were nearly made to pay the full price when City turned matters round in the last quarter.

However, City’s defensive frailties cost them dear as they failed to hold on to their lead for more than one attack.

Liverpool once again looked toothless in attack without the injured Fernando Torres.

And their injury woes were compounded when both Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel were forced out of what little first-half action there was within 20 minutes, Agger concussed after a clash of heads, Babel going over on his ankle.

Centre-back Martin Skrtel brought the only first-half save of note from City keeper Shay Given with a header from Gerrard’s free-kick.

But City failed to learn their lesson and conceded the opening goal on 50 minutes when Skrtel got his outstretched right boot to another Gerrard setpiece ahead of his nominal marker Emanuel Adebayor.

Adebayor was similarly lonesome eight yards out when he headed City level on 69 minutes.

And the game turned around seven minutes later as Steven Ireland side-footed home after fine work down the left by Shaun Wright-Phillips and substitute Carlos Tevez.

Little more than a minute later, though, Liverpool were handed an equaliser by more dreadful defending, Daniel Ngog’s deflected right-foot shot bobbling across the box to a grateful Yossi Benayoun who bundled the ball in from close range.