Carragher draws comfort from top spot

Defender Jamie Carragher has admitted Liverpool are "going through a rough patch" but insists there are plenty of reasons to be positive.

Liverpool struggled through another frustrating game at Anfield last night when brave West Ham claimed a 0-0 draw, although the point was still enough to take the Merseysiders top of the Barclays Premier League.

It was the third time this season that a supposedly inferior side had held Liverpool to a goalless home stalemate, following identical results for Fulham and Stoke.

But Carragher refused to be downbeat and said: "Usually when you are not playing well you go down the table.

"Instead we are going up the league when we are not at our best."

Liverpool could be three points clear of Chelsea, who lost at home to Arsenal on Sunday, had they produced their customary victory over the Hammers, who have not won at Anfield since 1963 and picked up their first point there in nine years.

Carragher said: "The positive thing to take is the fact that we have qualified for the next stage of the Champions League and we are top of the Premier League.

"To do that when we are not playing well and going through a rough patch is really positive.

"You are always disappointed when you don't win your home games, and obviously in the last three games at home we have not played as well as we could."

Manager Rafael Benitez's side created good opportunities to score on the night but came up against Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green in great form.

Carragher added: "We put them under pressure which is what you expect, but it has happened for years, goalkeepers having good performances at Anfield.

"In saying that, it is up to us to do a little bit more."