Liverpool moved a step closer to a place in the Champions League without causing Manchester United to lose any sleep in the English Premiership on Friday after the Merseysiders drew their derby 0-0 at Everton.
Liverpool, ten points adrift of Champions-elect United, are now six points clear of third-placed Arsenal though they have played a game more than the Londoners.
Arsenal are ahead of fading Leeds on goal difference having played a game less while Chelsea are two points further back.
With Friday's stalemate United can all but secure the Championship if they win at Southampton on Saturday.
Liverpool had their chances and Everton keeper Paul Gerrard made three fine stops to deny Michael Owen a chance to decide the 162nd Mersey derby.
But there was drama in the final minute when Reds keeper Sander Westerveld blasted a free kick against retreating Toffees star Don Hutchison.
The ball bounced into the net but the goal was not allowed to stand, despite Everton protests, as the Scot was clearly not 10 yards away.
Liverpool striker Emile Heskey didn't return for the second period, giving way to Robbie Fowler, who came on as substitute for his first senior appearance since scoring as a substitute against Wimbledon on December 28.
Everton should have gone ahead after 56 minutes when Mark Pembridge put Mark Hughes clear in the box, but the veteran shot wide of the far post.
Bradford are still in danger of being relegated from the Premiership after being held earlier Friday to a thrilling 4-4 draw at home to fellow strugglers Derby at Valley Parade.
Paul Jewell's men gave their all, clawing back from the hammer blow of conceding a goal to Rory Delap after just 21 seconds and a second to Branko Strupar six minutes later.
A double strike by Dean Windass leveled the scores before Delap got his marching orders for pushing in the penalty area, allowing Peter Beagrie to put the home side 3-2 ahead from the penalty spot.
The home fans hardly had time to regain their seats when Craig Burley equalized with a spot-kick at the other end.
But on the stroke of half time, another cracking effort from Windass completed his hat-trick and put the Bantams back in front.
Yet still they could not hold on to the lead they so desperately needed, Burley hitting the only goal after the interval with his second penalty of the match.
With 10 minutes to go Burley failed with a chance to win the game for Derby by missing his third penalty.
Derby will be happier with their point which takes them six points clear of Sheffield Wednesday, with whom Bradford are now level on points -- LONDON (AFP).
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
