Liverpool had to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw against bottom side Blackburn in the Premier League on Monday despite the return of captain Steven Gerrard after a two-month injury layoff.
Maxi Rodriguez equalized for Liverpool with a header from close range in the 53rd minute to cancel out Charlie Adam's own goal right before halftime.
Gerrard came on as a substitute with 21 minutes left but couldn't inspire his team to a victory as the hosts again lacked a cutting edge up front despite a multitude of chances.
Kenny Dalglish's side remained unbeaten at home this season, but have now drawn six and won three and been held five times in the last six outings at Anfield.
Liverpool was in control early but lacked the spark and crispness which the Reds have usually had lately.
Luis Suarez's second-minute free kick sailed just over, before Adam sliced an ambitious volley from outside the area which gave goalkeeper Mark Bunn an easy save.
Suarez had two more chances but hit one into the side-netting from Glen Johnson's pass, and missed the target completely with a left-footed shot from a similar position on the right of the penalty area.
Andy Carroll had a goal ruled out on the half-hour as Suarez was offside.
Blackburn had few chances and needed a helping hand to score against the run of play, as Adam diverted Morten Gamst Pedersen's inswinging corner past his own goalkeeper just seconds before halftime.
But it took Liverpool just eight minutes to equalize.
Downing's cross was cleared only as far as Martin Skrtel who hooked the ball back to the far post where Rodriguez headed in from close range.
The goal gave the Reds a spark, and Suarez headed a corner wide from a spot very close to where his teammate had equalized, while Carroll's overhead kick was then cleared by Grant Hanley.
Gerrard finally made his long-awaited return to action in the 69th minute when he replaced Adam and ran straight on to curl in a free kick which was headed over by Rodriguez.
Suarez then headed over Johnson's cross before the England defender was relieved to see David Dunn stab wide after needlessly giving away possession in midfield.
Liverpool twice thought they had earned the points in the closing moments, with Carroll drawing a fine save from Bunn with a close-range volley and 17-year-old Adam Henley, on his first senior start, clearing off the line after Daniel Agger's header from the subsequent corner.
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