You won't win title, says Redknapp as Reina saves Liverpool

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Portsmouth, who had been attacking with determination and commitment from the start,were given the chance to take the lead when Benjani Mwaruwari was held back by Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

Paying the penalty: Kanu has his spot-kick saved

It was a contentious decision by referee Mike Riley, who had to restrain a number of Liverpool players from charging at his linesman.

Eventually, Kanu stepped up for the penalty but looked far too relaxed as he approached the ball and his shot, placed to the keeper's right, was turned away by Reina.

The Spain No 1 has a justifiable reputation as one of Europe's top penalty savers, but he will have had few as easy as this.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp said: "He pulled his shot. It wasn't a terrible foul in the first place, but the chance was there for us.

"You always give the keeper a chance with that sort of side-foot shot. I would be happy with him smashing it. Even at the centre of goal you have a chance."

It was only when Benitez pushed on Torres, Gerrard and Babel in the second half that Liverpool looked like breaking through. Benitez says his decision was purely professional, but the players left on the bench were either tired or, in the case of Gerrard, recovering from injury.

The Liverpool boss was thinking ahead to their Champions League match against Porto on Tuesday when he said: "When you have players travelling around the world you must decide which are the fittest. When they returned, some could only train a little, so it was right that I had to consider their situation."

Redknapp said: "Rafa changed one or two around but, against that, look at the players who came in for them."

But the Pompey boss, whose side have now faced all of the 'big four', is not convinced Liverpool have what it takes to win the title. He added: "If I had to pick a club, it would be Manchester United to edge Chelsea and Liverpool. There is so much in their favour — a great and experienced squad."

PORTSMOUTH (4-4-2): James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson; Davis, Diop, Muntari, Utaka; Mwaruwari (Kranjcar 67), Kanu. Subs: Nugent, Taylor, Pamarot, Ashdown. Booked: Johnson, Diop, Davis.

LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): Reina; Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa; Pennant (Gerrard 67), Alonso (Babel 77), Sissoko, Benayoun; Crouch (Torres 62), Voronin. Subs: Hyypia, Ikameje. Booked: Alonso, Sissoko.

Referee: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).