Reds grind out 0-0 draw as Villa go 3rd

LONDON: Premier League leaders Liverpool could only manage a 0-0 draw at struggling Stoke City on Saturday, missing the chance to open a six-point gap at the top.

Manager Rafa Benitez launched a verbal volley at Manchester United counterpart Alex Ferguson on Friday but his team were tame by comparison and apart from two late Steven Gerrard efforts that hit the woodwork the visitors were second best.

"We are not happy," Benitez told Setanta Sports television.