Van der Sar frustrates Liverpool

Michael Owen was denied his 100th Liverpool goal as the premier league leaders were held 0-0 by Fulham at Anfield on Wednesday.

But the result still meant Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table to four points over Arsenal.

It was Fulham's first league visit in over 33 years to Anfield, where they have never won a game.

Their free-flowing passing game unsettled Liverpool, who were unable to string a series of passes together for most of the first 45 minutes.

But despite their erratic play, Liverpool still should have been ahead at halftime and only a series of outstanding saves from Dutchman Edwin van der Sar in the Fulham goal kept them at bay.

England striker Owen, seeking his century of goals in his 181st appearance for Liverpool, turned his marker after an Emile Heskey flick but his low shot was comfortably saved.

Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque blasted a good chance high into the Kop after 34 minutes.

Liverpool improved but Dutchman Van der Sar was in inspired form.

On 40 minutes Danny Murphy put Owen through but his well struck shot was stopped by the feet of the Fulham 'keeper.

A Gary McAllister free kick minutes later was neatly flicked on by Steven Gerrard, but Van der Sar somehow managed to push the goalbound effort round the post.

Seconds before the break he was at it again with an acrobatic stop from a dipping Gerrard volley.

Then, in the second half Liverpool hit the post with a Gerrard header from a Gary McAllister free kick and earlier Heskey failed to connect with a dangerous Owen cross.

The impressive Fulham forward Luis Boa Morte went on a surging run in the 62nd minute but pulled his shot just wide.

But Liverpool remained in command and Van der Sar came racing off his line in the 65th minute to head clear a Gerrard through ball.

It fell to Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger. He raced forward and pulled the ball back to Murphy but Van der Sar saved well again.

The closing quarter was solid Liverpool pressure but they failed to get past the inspired Fulham keeper and the points were shared.