Defiant Benitez defends Liverpool despite West Ham draw

London, Dec 2 (DPA) Defiant Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said that his side deserved more than the point they earned in the goalless draw with West Ham United in the English Premier League.

The point was enough to put Liverpool atop the English Premier League, one point clear of Chelsea, with champions Manchester United another five points back, albeit with a game in hand.

After Chelsea's defeat Sunday by Arsenal, Monday's draw was a missed opportunity for Liverpool, who have now drawn back-to-back matches at home in the league.

Benitez said that Liverpool deserved to win.

'From the beginning to the end, we tried to win, and that's why they had one or two counterattacks in the second half,' the Spaniard said.

'People can be disappointed, and we are too, but we are one point clear at the top. We didn't play well against Fulham (also a 0-0 draw), but in this game we had plenty of possession, passed and moved the ball and had chances.

'If you play badly, don't have chances and the other team is in control, you can be worried - but we were much better. The crowd can be disappointed because they've seen a draw at home, but if they see the newspapers tomorrow they will see we are top. We have one more point than Chelsea now, and if we can go to Blackburn (on Saturday) and win we'll still be top.'

Liverpool dominated possession but failed to break down a resolute West Ham defence.

Sami Hyypia headed a good chance over in the first half, while Robert Green produced good saves from Yossi Benayoun and then late on from Dirk Kuyt.

At the other end, former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy hit the post for West Ham.

Liverpool threw Ryan Babel on for the last 15 minutes in an effort to break the deadlock, but it was to no avail.