Liverpool missed a chance to close in on Premier League leader Arsenal when it drew 0-0 at Manchester City on Sunday.

Liverpool, which won the most recent of its record 18 league titles back in 1990, dominated possession and chances at City of Manchester Stadium, but was unable to break down a defense anchored by Richard Dunne and Micah Richards.

Liverpool has 37 points, 10 fewer than Arsenal and eight behind Manchester United.

"The team was playing well and creating chances and normally you finish by winning," Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said. "They have a fantastic record, but we had our chances.

"Their keeper and the defenders were really good."

With three minutes left, Dirk Kuyt almost forced the ball over the line from close range, but it was cleared and Yossi Benayoun had a shot on goal blocked and deflected wide by Dunne.

"It was just backs to the wall," Dunne said. "We're at home and we want to win games at home, but you have to respect sides like Liverpool. It was a difficult game and we got the result."

At the other end of the standings, Derby stayed firmly at the bottom when it lost 2-1 to visiting Blackburn in Sunday's other match.

Man City: Hart, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Ball, Ireland (Gelson, 61'), Hamann, Corluka, Petrov, Elano (Bianchi, 70'), Vassell (Geovanni, 74').

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Kewell (Babel, 74'), Torres, Kuyt.