Liverpool lost their 100% Europa League record but will be satisfied this goalless draw in Holland, despite an ordinary display.

Manager Roy Hodgson opted to rest Steven Gerrard and his side lacked Gerrard’s creativity and energy.

Fernando Torres struggled again up front as Liverpool promised much but delivered little in a tight first half.

And the hosts created little of note until an unmarked Tim Cornelisse headed over from close range on 40 minutes.

The game sharpened up after half-time and after saving bravely at Ricky Van Wolfswinkel’s feet, Liverpool keeper missed a Dries Mertens corner only for Michael Silberbauer to mishit his shot and allow Raul Meireles to head the ball off the line.

In the next attack, Torres brought a fine save form Utrecht keeper Michel Vorm after a quick break from Reina’s drop-kick – although the referee was insufficiently impressed to give a corner.

On 66 minutes Torres latched onto a Mihai Nesu’s poor backpass and kept his feet under Vorms’ challenge but couldn’t get a shot away at the unguarded goal.

And Liverpool escaped on 83 minutes when Jacob Mulenga’s right-foot shot went narrowly wide after the Zambia striker took advantage of defensive hesitancy by Martin Kelly.