LIVERPOOL FC ensured this game was riveting when they really should have made it routine.

Kenny Dalglish’s men concocted the frustrating brew of promising much but delivering little on Saturday evening as Norwich City took a point their perseverance deserved.

Despite the optimism which pushing Manchester United to the wire last weekend brought, Liverpool will remain a work-in-progress for some time yet as the weekend’s 1-1 draw vividly illustrated.

Norwich’s last appearance at Anfield in 1994 saw the end of an era as the Spion Kop was to be replaced after the game.

And on their comeback, City made sure there was a sense of deflation from the modern version of the famous stand as Grant Holt’s desire to win the header outmatched that of anyone around him en route to the equalising goal.

Make no mistake, Liverpool played well in long phases of this game but were unable to find the ruthless edge which could be the difference between securing Champions League football for next season and not.

Deciding to focus on the lorryload of chances of his side created and not that a significant few were wasted, was an understandable post-match reaction from Dalglish.

The manager’s point is a fair one given that had Liverpool not shown major profligacy – and former Everton goalkeeper John Ruddy not been outstanding – then a handsome home win would have been secured. The praise would have effusive.

But victory proved beyond them and Liverpool supporters will have concerns that dominance has yet again not yielded a maximum return.

When grip of the midfield loosened and Norwich tweaked their tactics with the introduction of Holt, the home side no longer looked as imperious as they had and the striker was only denied a second thanks to Pepe Reina’s fine save.