In a poor first half at Ewood Park neither of the teams could find an opening to break the deadlock.

The first ten minutes set the precedent for the game and yielded very little. Both sides enjoying possesion until the final third when their attacks inevitably broke down.

It was Liverpool who had the first sight of goal, but Steven Gerrards shot was deflected for a corner which Rovers were able to deal with comfortably.

Possession football was quickly becoming the order of the day, shows at goal seemed an increasingly rare commodity.

It wasnt't until the 22nd minute that Blackburn had their first real chance, but the visitors were able deal with El-Hadji Diouf's free kick.

Liverpool's first real chance came when Steven Gerrard caught out Pascal Chimbonda, but he wasn't quick enough to beat Chris Samba who dealt with the danger in typical style.

As the half wore on both sides began to open up. Benni McCarthy showing neat touches and Brett Emerton looking a menace when running with the ball. It was Chris Samba though who went closing for the hosts, but his flicked header was sent right at Pepe Reina.

Steven Gerrard then had another chance for Liverpool, but the England star was thwarted in his efforts once again by Chris Samba.

Rovers compact and disciplined approach was causing Liverpool problems, but they simply lacked any bite in the attacking third throughout the first half as it went in 0-0 at the break.