Liverpool held by City

Liverpool's 100% record over the festive period was ruined by Manchester City as Rafael Benitez's men failed to make their pressure tell at Eastlands.

Despite dominating for long periods, especially during a one-sided second-half, Liverpool could not find a way through.

Joe Hart produced an excellent late stop to deny Dirk Kuyt but City's real hero was skipper Richard Dunne, who threw himself at everything in his desire to repel Liverpool's threat.

David Bentley reproduced the form that brought him an England call to leave Derby rooted to the foot of the table.

The Blackburn winger was outstanding, scoring one goal and having a hand in the other as Rovers won 2-1.

With Roque Santa Cruz continuing his excellent goalscoring run with Rovers' equaliser, Derby found themselves on the back foot for long spells.

Yet they were dreaming of only their second league win of the season when Matt Oakley put them ahead.

However a missed penalty by Steve Howard proved to be the turning point at Pride Park.

Santa Cruz tapped in an equaliser after keeper Lewis Price parried Benni McCarthy's shot.

Bentley then fired in from 25 yards and later hit the post.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

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