Source: PA
Reds gain slight edge in stalemate
Liverpool's goalless draw against Sparta Prague still gives them plenty to do in next week's second leg of their Europa League last-32 clash at Anfield.
There was no dream start for Kenny Dalglish in his first European match as the Reds boss with Sparta creating most of the chances in a disjointed affair. Goalkeeper Jose Reina pulled off a few good saves and a clean sheet at least makes Liverpool's job easier in a week's time.
Liverpool tried to gain control by holding on to possession they never managed to make any ground by doing so. In fact, it was Sparta who created the few chances, most of which were created from wide positions as full-backs Ondrej Kusnir and Manuel Pamic advanced at regular intervals.
Pamic gave Glen Johnson problems in the first half and almost capitalised to great effect in the 17th minute. Martin Abena slid a pass inside the England defender and Pamic raced into the penalty area to drill a low shot from a narrow angle which Reina parried to safety.
Even the normally unflappable Spain international was not immune to the general untidiness which littered Liverpool's play and when he could only parry Kusnir's deep cross into the path of Pamic, he was relived to see the defender blaze over.
The second half was little different from what had gone before except for Liverpool enjoying slightly more possession and their best chance came with 20 minutes to go when Johnson poked the ball past the far post.
