A second successive draw was the result of a frustrating game for Chelsea that provided little in the way of goal action.
Liverpool offered a resolute opposition and a strong performance against a Chelsea side spurred by the presence of Frank Lampard in the midfield for the first time since Boxing Day.
He returned to the side after 10 games out injured, in which the side had won nine consecutively prior to last week's draw at Portsmouth. The midfielder was picked by Avram Grant to captain the side, which also contained Ricardo Carvalho back from suspension, and John Mikel Obi on the bench, back from African Nations duty.
Chelsea welcomed Liverpool to Stamford Bridge for the sides' third meeting of the season following August's 1-1 draw at Anfield and the 2-0 Blues win in the Carling Cup shortly before Christmas, and we were aiming to make it four years unbeaten at home in the league, with the game count standing at 75.
The game started with frequent exchanges of possession and an early booking for Juliano Belletti, who was adjudged by Mike Riley to have deliberately handled.
It looked as though chances would be at a premium, and it wasn't until the 15th minute that either side registered an effort of note. Steve Finnan crossed from deep and Peter Crouch got above Belletti and Alex to head, but couldn't trouble Petr Cech.
Three minutes later the same player was presented with a better opportunity as he nodded down Riise's long ball to Babel, who laid it back to him, but again his effort flashed past the post.
Crouch had a third bite at the cherry not long after following Gerrard's advance down the right, and this time he did hit the target, but could only head straight at Cech.
After three half chances, a real talking point arrived. Joe Cole combined with Ashley Cole and Michael Ballack to get inside the Liverpool area before being brought to a halt by the challenge of Javier Mascherano.
The Argentine made no contact with the ball, but plenty with Cole, yet Riley waved play on and Liverpool were free to break. Rafa Benitez may argue it justice after the penalty we were awarded at Anfield earlier in the season.
There followed another quiet spell, with only glimpses of the type of play both sides are capable of. Anelka began to impress with his quick feet and direct running, but still neither midfield could impose itself properly.
Half-time offered a chance for a few choice words, but there were no changes from either side, despite Chelsea sub Tal Ben-Haim warming up on the pitch.
A Ballack foul on Gerrard allowed the Liverpool captain a shooting chance 25 yards out, but his drive was blocked by the Chelsea wall.
Another ten minutes passed before the next effort, when Babel cut inside and saw his shot deflected behind for a Liverpool corner. The pressure failed to pay off though as Skrtel was penalised for a foul.
With 20 minutes remaining both sides made changes, Mikel joining Malouda, who had come on shortly earlier, to replace Lampard and Wright-Phillips respectively. Liverpool brought on Jermaine Pennant for Babel, who had persistently troubled Belletti.
Still there were no openings, until sub Mikel played in Ashley Cole with ten minutes remaining. He cut back for Ballack to volley towards goal, but the German's effort dropped inches wide of Reina's far post. It was the best chance of the game.
At the other end Dirk Kuyt crossed for Pennant but his header was weak and wide.
Three added minutes at the end of the game offered no more scoring opportunities, and both sides were forced to settle for a point. Not a perfect result for either following Manchester City's win at Old Trafford earlier in the afternoon.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Belletti, Carvalho, Alex, A Cole; Ballack, Makelele, Lampard (c) (Mikel 70); Wright-Phillips (Malouda 63), Anelka, J Cole (Pizarro 85).
Booked Belletti 2, Carvalho 73, Alex 77
Liverpool (4-4-2) Reina; Finnan, Skrtel, Carragher, Riise; Babel (Pennant 71), Gerrard (c), Mascherano, Lucas; Kuyt, Crouch.
Booked Babel 41, Riise 62
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