(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-12-31 16:06

MANCHESTER - Rafael Benitez refused to abandon hope of guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title this season, after a goalless draw away to Manchester City here on Sunday left the Merseysiders ten points behind leaders Arsenal.

Joe Hart, goalkeeper of Manchester City, saves from Dirk Kuyt (3rd R, partly hidden) of Liverpool during the Premier league football match at The City of Manchester Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. [Agencies]

A tense game at Eastlands resulted in Liverpool remaining one point clear of Sven-Goran Eriksson's City in fourth place in the table.

In a match devoid of clear-cut chances, Liverpool almost snatched victory when Dirk Kuyt saw an 86th minute header brilliantly saved by keeper Joe Hart before being cleared off the line by defender Richard Dunne.

But even though his team will start 2008 well adrift of Arsene Wenger's in-form Arsenal, Liverpool manager Benitez insisted that the title remains a realistic goal for his team.

"Three games ago, people were saying it was impossible for us, but two games later we were much closer to them," Benitez said.

"We are ten points behind Arsenal, but with a game in hand, and we know that we can win a lot of games. If we keep doing the right things, we will see what happens in a few months," the Spaniard added.

"This was a frustrating game, but I cannot say anything to the players because they worked hard and created a lot of chances.

"Seventeen attempts at Manchester City, who have a fantastic home record, is very good. But we are disappointed with the result because I believe that we did enough to win."

City remain in contention to claim fourth place and pull off a remarkable qualification for the Champions League. Their point was earned by inspirational captain Dunne, who performed brilliantly at the heart of the defence, and Eriksson admitted that the Irishman was in sensational form.

"Dunne was extremely good, he was everywhere," said ex-England manager Eriksson. "I don't know if it was his best performance, but he is a very good player, our captain, and he showed everybody else the way.

"I wouldn't want to swap Richard and Micah Richards for any defensive partnership," the Swede insisted.

"I cannot be disappointed at drawing with Liverpool. We stood up to them well, but I still think they are the favourites for fourth.

"It is a big target for our club, but even being fifth is good because it means we are close to them."

Liverpool's injury crisis saw them field Spanish full-back Alvaro Arbeloa at centre-half alongside Jamie Carragher, a move which summed up their defensive frailties and lack of options to cover for the absences of Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger.

And with the transfer window due to open on Tuesday, Benitez indicated he was keen to strengthen his squad in January.

"We are working and trying to find some solutions. We are close to some players, but to get them to point of putting pen to paper is very difficult.

"We can sign the right players at the right price, though. For now and in the future, that isn't a problem."