Liverpool drop points in race for Europe

Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for Europe next season took a knock as they could only manage a goalless draw with West Ham United at Anfield yesterday.

It was the ninth clean sheet in twelve home league games for the Reds, who were themselves denied on several occasions by Hammers keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The hosts almost had nothing at all to show for their efforts, but Lucas cleared Jack Collison’s late header off the line.

The point keeps the club in seventh position, though Arsenal’s victory over West Bromwich Albion means there is now a gap of seven points between Brendan Rodgers men and the top five, with just six games left to play, starting with next weekend’s trip to bottom of the table Reading.

Meanwhile, the Mirror have reported that West Ham will have to pay Liverpool £1 million if they avoid relegation to the Championship, due to a condition of Andy Carroll’s loan deal.

Sam Allardyce’s men moved six points clear of the bottom three following Sunday’s results, so the clause looks likely to be triggered.

The England international has scored five goals in seventeen appearances since moving to Upton Park back at the end of August.